If the patient agrees, families and carers should also have the opportunity to be involved in decisions about treatment and care. Families and carers should be given the information and support they need. If patients do not have the capacity to make decisions, healthcare professionals should follow the Department of Health guidelines – ‘Reference guide to consent for examination or treatment’ (2001) (available from ). Healthcare professionals should also follow the code of practice that accompanies the Mental Capacity Act (summary available from ). .
