Do you know what the role of an advocate is?
When it comes to our adult advocacy services, we work closely with medical professionals, nursing and care teams to help them understand the benefits. Our advocates place tremendous value on the relationships they have with local hospitals and care homes in the Wigan borough. After all, it’s their care and concern for patients that generates referrals into our advocacy team.
If you work in the medical or care profession and you’re not sure of the benefits of referring an adult to advocacy, then this post is for you.
A wonderful testimonial for our advocacy team
“The advocates have a very good understanding of their roles, including in best interest decisions. They have a quick response time, take a lot of time to get to know the person they support and are very skilled at raising and resolving issues. They are passionate about their work, have a great understanding of legal processes and will report poor practice when encountered.” – Social Worker, Wigan
Who can you refer to advocacy?
The majority of our adult advocacy clients are people with long-term health conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. We also represent clients with learning disabilities as well as those who have been placed in rehabilitation or detained under the Mental Health Act.
If you are unsure whether a patient qualifies for advocacy support, please give our team a call to check.
Advocacy gives people a voice
Everyone has the right to an independent voice. When individuals are deemed to lack the capacity to make decisions about safety, living arrangements or medical treatment and have no family or friends to do this on their behalf, our advocates step in.
The role of an advocate is to ensure that people’s views are heard and respected. In each case we listen and take a balanced view of events so we can make an informed decision that’s in the best interest of the individual.
Rapid response times
Due to the nature of the work, our independent advocates work flexibly and can step in to represent individuals at short notice. Sometimes we have to make quick decisions and report our findings in an equally efficient manner.
We talk to everyone involved
To make an informed ‘best interest’ decision, we make sure to talk to every party involved in the case. This might include nurses, carers, clinicians and other healthcare professionals, as well as the client. It’s our job to understand every detail of each case and try to explain things in a way that everyone can understand.
We understand legal processes and proceedings
Our advocacy team are trained independent advocates (IAQ) and follow case law closely for to keep up to date with recent outcomes and best practice.
In cases referred to the Court of Protection, such as when individuals need living arrangements decided, an advocate can be called in to represent the person during legal proceedings. This is also known as a litigation friend. The advocate may appoint legal representation and attend court to uphold the rights of the individual and challenge decisions that they do not feel are in their best interests.
Medical treatment decisions
Medical decisions should be made by informed choice, not be something that’s done to an individual. Medical and care professionals can refer to an independent advocate when a person is deemed to lack the capacity to make their own decisions about medical treatment.
The advocate seeks to understand the views, wishes and feelings of the patient, which is especially important in cases of palliative care and resuscitation. They discuss options with the medical and care-giving teams, taking into account the impact and benefits of treatment, and potential impact on quality of life and life expectancy.
The client is at the heart of the process
In every single advocacy case, our team’s number one priority is the individual we’re representing. It’s their wishes and interests that we have in our hearts and minds when we make a decision.
Our advocacy work is crucial in representing and empowering the adults of Wigan. Without an advocate they may not have a voice. We will continue to work in collaboration with our hospitals, surgeries, care homes and local authorities to educate and guide colleagues in making advocacy referrals. If we can support you or your team in this way, please get in touch.