Cheshire West and Chester IMHA Service

Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)

Referral Information and Form

The IMHA Service is a statutory advocacy service, introduced by the Mental Health Act 2007, which aims to empower and safeguard people who are under compulsion under Mental Health legislation.

·  Under the Mental Health Act 2007, the NHS or Local Authority have a responsibility to advise everyone under compulsion that they have the right to an advocate.

·  The IMHA is independent of people involved in the patient’s care.

·  It is the patient’s choice as to whether they want the support of an IMHA.

·  Having the support of an IMHA does not prevent the patient also having legal representation or other advocacy services.

·  The IMHA service is free of charge.

The IMHA role involves helping people obtain information and understand:

·  The provisions of the legislation which they are subject to.

·  The rights which other people have in relation to them under legislation.

·  Any conditions or restrictions placed on them.

·  What medical treatment is being given, is proposed or is being considered.

·  The authority under which the treatment would be given and the requirements that would apply.

·  Their rights under the legislation and supporting people exercise their rights (which may include speaking on their behalf, representation or support accessing legal advice/representation).

Contact Details for IMHA Service – Cheshire West and Chester

Age UK Cheshire

Service Manager: Emma Davies Contact: Clare Dodds & Rachel Slack

Advocate: Barbara Edmondson

314 Chester Road, Hartford, Northwich CW8 2AB

Tel: 01606 881660 (General Switchboard) 01606 305004 (Direct Line) Fax: 01606 881667

E-mail:

Client Group: Older People – over 65yrs

Cheshire West Citizens Advice Bureau

Service Manager: Michael Brennan Advocate: Bev Spicer

Mental Health Advocacy Service, Brunner Guildhall, High Street, Winsford CW7 2AU

Tel: 01606 596 396 Fax: 01606 596 397 Admin: 01606 555900

E-mail:

Client Group: Mental Health – 18-65yrs

Independent Advocacy Cheshire

Manager: Nick Barber

Unit 8, Theatre Court, London Rd, Northwich CW9 5HB

Tel: 01606 42688 Fax: 01606 351677

Client Group: Learning Disability

E-mail:

E-mail:

CHESHIRE INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY SERVICES

Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) Referral Form

Forward the completed referral document to the appropriate advocacy service in your area.

Client Name:
Telephone number:
Current Address:
Postcode:
Permanent Address:
Postcode:
Age and Date of Birth:
Gender:
Ethnicity:
Religion:
Does the client have any communication needs? e.g. BSL, needs interpreter
Responsible Clinician
Name/contact details
Consultant ( if different to
above) Name/contact details
Care Co-ordinator name/contact details

Referrer

Name:
Designation (client, professional’s job title/role, nearest relative)
Organisation:
Contact address/tel no:
Please confirm that the patient qualifies for an IMHA service by ticking at least one of the boxes below: / ü
Detained under the following sections of Mental Health Act: –
S2
S3
S35
S36
S37
S38
S47
S48
-OR-
Subject to a community treatment order (S17A)
Subject to guardianship (S7 or S37)
S.57 treatment is being proposed
Conditionally discharged
Under 18 years and being considered for ECT or S 58A treatment
Is there any information the advocacy service needs in order to keep the client and/or the IMHA safe?:

Signature of referrer:…………………………… Date: …………………………………...

Date referral received: …………………….

IMHA Referral Form ~ CWAC July 2011

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