Explains your rights to consent to (or refuse) treatment, including what 'consent' means, when you can be treated without your consent, and how to make a complaint.
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To find advocacy services and groups in your area, you could call Mind's Legal Line or contact your local Mind.
If you're in hospital, you can also contact:
In some circumstances, you may be legally entitled to get the support of an advocate. See our page on your legal rights to advocacy for more information.
cqc.org.uk
Regulates and inspects health and social care services in England.
hiw.org.uk
Independent regulator for healthcare in Wales, where you can make complaints and provide feedback.
mhla.co.uk
Professional association for solicitors specialising in mental health law. Includes a list of solicitors by local area.
nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best practice in healthcare.
gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-public-guardian
Protects people in England and Wales who may not have the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, such as about their health and finance.
This information was published in March 2018. We will revise it in 2020.
References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.