The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has recently determined that under the Mental Capacity Act (NI) 2016 specific training must be undertaken to support the implementation of the new Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) procedures.

MD of Keenan Recruitment Aideen Duggan has welcomed the new mandatory e-learning awareness course for all  for all Agency staff working in the NHS, which gives a general overview of Deprivation of Liberty, under the (MCA) Mental Capacity Act (NI) 2016. Keenan is already a member of the Mental Health Charter NI and this goes hand in hand with the new legislation being rolled out throughout Northern Ireland, enabling Keenan workers to have a greater understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.  

This awareness course designed by The Department of Health in Northern Ireland, outlines that deprivation of liberty means taking someone's freedom away. It explains when it is the right thing to do and the looks at how the new law provides a framework (deprivation of liberty safeguards) to make DoL lawful. 

The course provides information on who the legislation is for and outlines the key principals of the Mental Capacity Act (NI) 2016. It gives examples of who can perform a formal assessment and when it is appropriate to do so. Helpful case studies are included to help the learner understand what is being discussed. 

You will be asked to complete this worthwhile online training when you wish to register for work within the NHS through Keenan. All current Keenan Agency staff have been emailed a link to complete this training. 

For further information regarding the introduction of this legislation in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has a dedicated website on this topic:

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/mca