Our objectives

In 2007 the Scottish Executive Health Department asked us to produce clear information for the families and carers of adults with incapacity, giving a detailed account of the rights of incapacitated adults and their carers to consent to medical examination and treatment. This was to build on the information provided in our leaflet Consent – it’s your decision.

Our objectives for this work were:

• to produce information outlining the rights of adults with incapacity and their carers to consent to medical examination and treatment
• to review the draft code of practice for Part V of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act, when made available by the SEHD (summer 2007).
• to draft information, and to arrange for testing with appropriate groups.
• to make sure the information was appropriate in relation to content, tone and format.

A change of government in Scotland in 2007 established the Scottish Government Health Directorates. We carried out this work for the SGHD as part of our 2008-2009 workplan. 

Page last edited: 01 February 2011