An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dynamic, friendly and supportive safeguarding team as Named Nurse/Professional MCA/DoLS. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced practitioner that is capable of positively influencing practice and is competent to lead on the MCA/DoLS agenda for the trust. The role will require an in-depth knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, Best Interest decision making and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards with the ability to support positive outcomes for all patients (adults and young people) who access trust services, supporting colleagues to undertake all necessary duties where a patient lacks capacity. There is a requirement to work closely with the Named Nurses for Safeguarding specifically supporting the safeguarding adult agenda with elements of the Safeguarding Adults agenda e.g. undertaking Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SAR) and Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHR) etc. The ideal candidate will be a visible leader, with credible skills and knowledge required to undertake this role, having the skills to drive the agenda forward and embed throughout the trust. The Named Nurse/Professional for MCA/DoLS plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals who may lack mental capacity, ensuring legal frameworks are adhered to, to protect vulnerable individuals who access our services. The successful candidate will ensure that mental capacity assessments are carried out in a person-centred, lawful, and ethical manner, considering the individual’s best interests.Provide expert advice to other healthcare professionals on the process and requirements of conducting mental capacity assessments. Advise staff and managers on DoLS procedures and best practices, ensuring that any deprivation of liberty is lawful, justified, and documented correctly. Provide expert advice on complex cases, particularly when issues related to mental capacity or deprivation of liberty arise. Develop and deliver training programs on the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS to staff at all levels, including new hires, senior clinicians, and other healthcare professionals. Conduct workshops and refreshers on capacity assessments and DoLS procedures. Act as an advocate for individuals who lack mental capacity, ensuring that their best interests are always represented, and their legal rights are respected. Liaise with LCH service practitioners, legal representatives, family members, carers, and advocacy services to ensure that decisions about care and restrictions are made in accordance with the individual’s rights and best interests. Regularly audit the application of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS to ensure that processes are being followed correctly and in a manner that ensures patient safety and compliance. Work closely with safeguarding leads to identify and mitigate any potential risks associated with individuals lacking mental capacity or being deprived of their liberty. Contribute to the development, review, and updating of policies and procedures related to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards to ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice.For information about the job, please contact Lynne Chambers lynnechambers@nhs.netWorking for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS TrustWho are we?Leeds Community Healthcare provides a range of community-based health services across the whole city. We treat people in their homes, local health centres and community hospitals, and work in partnership with other local Trusts, charities and Leeds City Council.We have a strong culture based on deeply-held values, and our focus at all times is on delivering high quality care to the people of Leeds. In our most recent CQC evaluation, we were rated "Good", with our Adult Services rated "Outstanding" for caring.Perks of the jobOur benefits range from generous annual leave to access to NHS discount sites. You can find the full list of attractive benefits and rewards at www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk click on the Join Our Team Tab.Right to WorkThis role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
