First reported 16 Dec 2013•Latest report 10 Mar 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures to recognise when capacity assessment is required, conduct or document the assessment, record its outcome and rationale, and make the result available for subsequent care or decision-making.
Not included
Excludes general care-record deficiencies where mental capacity is not the material subject.
Excludes Mental Capacity Act best-interests, deprivation-of-liberty and advocacy failures when the capacity-assessment and recording process itself is not deficient.
Excludes failures to follow a valid capacity assessment after it has been completed and recorded.
Excludes generic consent or treatment-decision failures that do not concern assessment or recording of the patient’s mental capacity.
Reports
35
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
39
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2013–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
90
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Department of Health and Social Care7
Care Quality Commission3
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust3
London Borough of Redbridge2
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust2
Ministry of Justice2
NHS England2
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust2
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust2
Abbey Court Independent Hospital1
A & B Healthcare Limited1
Achieve Together Limited1
Bolton Borough Council1
Brunswick Ward at Lindridge1
Cambridge Nursing Home Ltd1
NHS trust21
Ministerial department10
Healthcare site7
Integrated care board4
Private limited company4
Type not available4
English county council3
English metropolitan district council3
Executive non-departmental public body3
Health and social care service regulator3
London borough council3
English unitary authority2
Local health board2
Multi-service care provider2
Coronial office1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Worcestershire
Concerns raised1
Failure to recognise when mental capacity assessment is required after food refusal begins
This report raised 7 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.5
Position
Practice Plus Group is responsible for responding to concerns about healthcare delivery at HMP Hewell.
Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
PPG, not MPFT, holds responsibility for physical healthcare, food refusal policy implementation, and initial capacity assessment.
Stated by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
There was no clinical reason to believe the patient lacked capacity to refuse food, fluids or other offered care.
Stated by Practice Plus GroupDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
A formal capacity assessment would not necessarily have changed the care provided, according to the clinical reviewer.
Stated by Practice Plus GroupDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
The food and fluid refusal pathway is considered robust and fit for purpose regardless of the reason for refusal.
Stated by Practice Plus GroupExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
Concerns raised1
Failure to document capacity appropriately in care plans
This report raised 11 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Deliver further mental capacity and Mental Capacity Act training to trained staff.
Stated by Premiere Health LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 3 February 2026.
Action
Implement a formal mental capacity assessment procedure covering documentation, care-plan recording and best-interest processes.
Stated by Premiere Health LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 February 2026.
Surrey
Concerns raised2
Failure to undertake thorough mental capacity assessments for life-threatening treatment decisions
Inadequate paramedic training for mental capacity assessments
This report raised 11 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.14
Action
Continue collaborative work with SECAMB and system partners to support timely and safe joint decision making, including regular operational meetings.
Stated by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Launch an investigation into ambulance responses to mental health crisis calls via NHS 111 and 999, covering triage, training, capacity assessment, and conveyance decisions.
Stated by Health Services Safety Investigations BodyStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Implement improved electronic documentation requirements for capacity assessments, including refusals of care, clinical justification and oversight.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Issue practice guidance for assessing capacity and escalating concerns involving suicidal patients.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Provide a half-day suicidality and mental health training session within the 2026/27 annual clinical update programme.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Deliver revised scenario-based mental health learning for new operational staff and clinicians, covering pathways, collaboration, law, capacity and complex presentations.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Review and redraft the mental capacity policy, adding guidance on unsafe decisions and escalation for remote clinical advice, then issue the revised policy by Q4 2025/26.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Cascade the new mental capacity protocol across all clinical teams through the Trust’s governance routes.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Develop a framework for staff decision-making and documentation when suicidal patients decline conveyance, targeted for delivery by March 2026.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Review emergency mental health care pathways across Surrey, Sussex and Kent to establish a partnership framework for ambulance responses to suicidality.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Work with partners to expand access to shared care records through the electronic Patient Care Record system.
Stated by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Consider changes to the paramedic Standards of Proficiency during the next scheduled review in 2027–2028.
Stated by Health and Care Professions CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Review the Standards of Education and Training governing preparation of learners for professional practice.
Stated by Health and Care Professions CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Action
Launch a public consultation on proposed changes to the Standards of Education and Training.
Stated by Health and Care Professions CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 August 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.6
Position
The Healthcare Professionals Line is considered sufficient for safe, situation-specific multi-agency decisions instead of relying on previously prepared joint plans.
Stated by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation TrustExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Position
Clinical matters fall outside the commissioning organisation’s remit.
Stated by NHS Southwest London Integrated Care BoardOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Clinical matters are the responsibility of the relevant Trusts.
Stated by NHS Southwest London Integrated Care BoardRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The Surrey Safeguarding Board will lead the Safeguarding Adults Review, with the organisation participating.
Stated by NHS Southwest London Integrated Care BoardRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Setting curricula and designing training courses are outside the respondent’s role.
Stated by Health and Care Professions CouncilOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Other bodies are responsible for setting paramedic curricula and designing training courses.
Stated by Health and Care Professions CouncilRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
County Durham and Darlington
Concerns raised1
Failure of mental capacity assessment guidance to recognise Executive Dysfunction
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Manchester West
Concerns raised1
Failure to assess capacity to decide to leave hospital
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Implement the NHSE Acuity Tool for initial assessment and routing of patients attending Salford Royal’s emergency department.
Stated by Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 11 November 2024.
Action
Continue work to achieve the 15-minute target for secondary assessment and enable early intervention and frontloading of essential investigations.
Stated by Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 11 November 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Salford Royal Hospital Foundation Trust is the appropriate organisation to respond to the concerns raised.
Stated by NHS EnglandRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
East Riding and Hull
Concerns raised1
Failure to consider reassessment of capacity
This report raised 7 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Undertake an unannounced assessment covering visit duration, nutrition and hydration, health monitoring, escalation, record keeping, governance, safeguarding and decision-making.
Stated by Care Quality CommissionStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 5 November 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Neither inspection identified concerns about recognising or escalating safeguarding issues, and staff showed good understanding of safeguarding processes.
Stated by Care Quality CommissionDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
County Durham and Darlington
Concerns raised1
Failure to carry out capacity assessments and subsequent best interests decision making
This report raised 5 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Review and update the patient safety investigation report and action plan to cover the patient’s acute and community care.
Stated by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 1 August 2024.
East London
Concerns raised1
Lack of formal capacity assessment for nursing-home residents
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Use qualified BIA and S12 doctor assessments with IMCA involvement where DoLS procedures identify a lack of capacity.
Stated by The Local AuthorityStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 April 2024.
Action
Formally document capacity assessments in future similar cases.
Stated by The Evergreen Surgery, WansteadStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 3 April 2024.
Action
Deliver an educational session for the clinical team on capacity assessments, including complex assessments.
Stated by The Evergreen Surgery, WansteadStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 3 April 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
A formal capacity assessment was completed, and an IMCA acted as his voice in best-interests decisions about accommodation, care and treatment.
Stated by The Local AuthorityDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
Existing clinical and nursing-staff capacity assessments indicated capacity and no need for a further formal assessment.
Stated by The Evergreen Surgery, WansteadExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Norfolk
Concerns raised1
Lack of understanding of mental capacity assessment
This report raised 7 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Complete induction, competency assessment and supervised competency development for CRHTT assessing staff.
Stated by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 3 April 2024.
Action
Deliver bespoke mental capacity training to CRHTT staff.
Stated by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 April 2024.
Action
Discuss mental capacity case studies during the forthcoming CRHTT training day.
Stated by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 3 April 2024.
Action
Implement monthly mental capacity audits locally and Trust-wide, reporting findings through quality and safety governance.
Stated by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 3 April 2024.
East London
Concerns raised1
Failure to formally assess mental capacity
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.5
Action
Use established joint-working forums for practitioners to discuss service-user mental-capacity concerns.
Stated by East London NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 March 2024.
Action
Review the Direct Payment Policy and develop practice guidance and a practitioner checklist covering capacity, best interests, double-handed care, hospital discharge, quality concerns and safeguarding thresholds.
Stated by London Borough of NewhamStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 March 2024.
Action
Share case themes with the borough’s Mental Capacity Act Oversight Group.
Stated by London Borough of NewhamStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 25 March 2024.
Action
Review and improve Mental Capacity Act training and refresher provision for all adult social care professional groups.
Stated by London Borough of NewhamStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 March 2024.
Action
Develop specific Mental Capacity Act training for occupational therapy staff through peer learning and a separately planned formal training session.
Stated by London Borough of NewhamStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 25 March 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
LBN, not the Trust, is responsible for assessing capacity concerning social care and support needs.
Stated by East London NHS Foundation TrustRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.