Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust v R [2020] EWCOP 4

Contingent/anticipatory declarations - MCA/inherent jurisdiction - Caesarean section R had capacity to make decisions as to her ante-natal and obstetric care but there was a risk that she would lose capacity during labour and refuse a Caesarean section. (1) MCA 2005 s16 (Powers to make decisions and appoint deputies: general) applies only to those who currently lack capacity. (2) MCA 2005 s15 (Power to make declarations) is not so limited and so can authorise contingent declarations. (3) Deprivation of liberty cannot be authorised by s15 but the inherent jurisdiction may be utilised to fill that lacuna which would otherwise render the s15 power nugatory.

Essex

This case has been summarised on page 29 of 39 Essex Chambers, 'Mental Capacity Report' (issue 101, February 2020).

CASES DATABASE

Full judgment: BAILII

Subject(s):

• Deprivation of liberty🔍
• Inherent jurisdiction cases🔍 Older inherent jurisdiction cases can still be found in Category:Other capacity cases
• Medical treatment cases🔍

Date: 29/1/20🔍

Court: Court of Protection🔍

Cited by:

• Somerset NHS Foundation Trust v Amira [2023] EWCOP 25

Judge(s):

• Hayden🔍

Parties:

• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust🔍
• South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust🔍

Citation number(s):

• [2020] EWCOP 4^B

What links here:

• 39 Essex Chambers, 'Mental Capacity Report' (issue 101, February 2020)
• Somerset NHS Foundation Trust v Amira [2023] EWCOP 25

Published: 30/1/20 18:54

Cached: 2024-04-25 08:15:18