Download PDF version of this page03/03/2008
Press release
Issued by the Catholic Communications Network
Launch of Mental Capacity Act Guide
“I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10)
The new Mental Capacity Act affects the care of anyone who is unable to make decisions for themselves. These may be financial decisions, choices about where to live, or how someone is to be cared for. Healthcare decisions made when the end of life is approaching are the main focus of the “Mental Capacity Act & Living Wills - A Practical Guide for Catholics”, produced by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales to provide a Catholic perspective on the new law.
“As Christians we believe that every human life is a gift from God and that to live that life fully we must love one another. Illness, whether mental or physical is a part of the human condition and most if not all of us will have to cope with it at some time in our lives. Ill health makes us aware of our human frailty, and calls for a response of love and care, recognising always that to be human is to be body, soul and spirit, and that we are ultimately called by God to follow Our Lord through death to the fullness of life with Him,” says the Archbishop of Cardiff, the Most Reverend Peter Smith, Chair of the Department for Christian Citizenship and Responsibility, in his Opening Foreword.
The Guide is in ‘Question and Answer’ form, and seeks to be as practical as possible in addressing some of the concerns which people may have, either regarding their own situation or that of a member of their family or religious community. It includes questions regarding the withdrawal of medical treatment at the end of life, the new powers in the Act to make advance decisions to refuse treatment (so-called ‘Living-Wills’), and the duties of those appointed with lasting powers of attorney to take decisions of behalf of others. A section of the Guide addresses issues for healthcare professionals.
Click to link to Mental Capacity Act & Living Wills guide
It has been written for use both within and beyond the Catholic Community and is available from the Catholic Truth Society, priced at £1.95.
t. 020 7640 0042 w. www.cts-online.org.uk ISBN no. 978 1 86082 465 4
ENDS
For further information, please contact the CCN:
t. 020 7901 4800 e. ccn@cbcew.org.uk w. www.catholicchurch.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
The Guide first gives an overview of the Mental Capacity Act. It then explores the issue of withdrawing or refusing medical treatment at the end of life, acting in someone’s best interests and the new powers in the Mental Capacity Act to make advance decisions and to appoint proxy decision makers (lasting power of attorney).
It sets out what possibilities the Mental Capacity Act gives for people to plan for the future, and guidance on making these choices effectively and morally. It also includes specific guidance for health and social care professionals in relation to the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act.
The guide concludes by providing sources of further information and assistance and morally acceptable examples of written statements of wishes and feelings and of advance decisions to forego medical treatment.