Patients who have dementia, severe learning disabilities, brain injury or other similar disabilities can sometimes lack the capacity to agree to the arrangements for their accommodation, treatment and care.

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) safeguards have been created to make sure that any decision to deprive someone of their liberty is made after careful consideration and consultation with specific authorities.

Depriving someone of their liberty must be:

in their best interest and to protect them from harm
a proportionate response to the likelihood or seriousness of harm
the least restrictive alternative

The deprivation of liberty authorisation only allows the hospital or care home to detain the relevant person it does not sanction the care or treatment.

Managing authorities (Hospitals or Registered Care Homes) will need authorisation from Supervisory Bodies (PCTs and Local Authorities) because depriving someone of their liberty is illegal without authorisation.

Adult Safeguarding - Annual Report 560k)
Adult Safeguarding Annual Report - summary (4.97mb)

Information for hospitals

Deprivation of Liberty Procedure for Managing Authorities (1mb)

Enquiries for South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust
Should be sent to:

DoLS Team
Rugeley Area Office
Council Buildings
Anson Street
Rugeley
Staffordshire WS15 2BH

Tel: 01889 256088
Fax: 01889 256034

Email:
deprivationofliberty@staffordshire.gov.uk

A list of national DoLS contacts for Supervisory Bodies (both local authorities and PCTs) is also available on the Department of Health website along with links to standard forms for referral and assessment.

Visit the Department of Health website for more information.