Consent Policy
Introduction:
Clients have a legal, ethical, and moral right to determine the intervention and treatment they receive. Valid and informed consent to treatment interventions is therefore at the core of all services Space 2B You offer.
Space 2B You is committed to transparency. Therefore, all clients must be given sufficient and accurate information, in a way that they can understand and enable them to exercise their right to make an informed decision about the services and interventions Space 2B You offer. The Human Rights Act 1998 came fully into force throughout the UK in October 2000. The Act requires all public authorities, including healthcare professionals, to act in accordance with the rights set out in the Act.
Aim of Policy:
It is the responsibility of all Space 2B You staff and contractors to follow this policy as it sets out current legal requirements and good practice when seeking informed consent. Space 2B You also advise staff and contractors to follow guidance on consent as stated by their professional/regulatory body.
This policy is mainly regarding consent to treatment/interventions.
SCOPE:
This policy is for all staff and contractors working with Space 2B You.
What is consent?
Consent is a process not a one-off decision. This process involves discussions with the client and providing written information about services and interventions Space 2B You can offer. When a referral has been submitted to Space 2B You and the client has signed the consent form the information will be uploaded on the Power diary system. A signature on a consent form is normally the concluding part of the consent process. However, it is important to understand if the patient has not been given appropriate information, then consent may not be valid despite their signature on the form. Consent is the voluntary and continuing permission from the client to receive a particular intervention based upon adequate knowledge and understanding. Failure to secure consent may constitute assault under common law in England.
Who should obtain consent?
It is the responsibility of all Space 2B You staff providing any service or intervention to discuss consent with the client and provide necessary information to enable them to consent to the service provided.
Whoever is seeking a client’s consent should:
• Have sufficient knowledge of the proposed service and intervention. If staff or contractors are unable to provide this information they must contact admin, senior staff, supervisor, or directors.
• Follow Space 2B You policies and procedures.
• Ensure the client has been given sufficient time and information to make an informed decision
• If a client has consented to the intervention and service, they have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
Disciplinary Actions
Breach of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.
Contact Details
If staff or contractors have any concerns, they must inform Space 2B You directors Marie-Anne McKee and Alison Joyce.
Telephone:
020 3048 3331 (ext. 301)
Email:
www.barbara.johnston@space2byou.co.uk
marie-anne.mckee@space2byou.co.uk