089 Why understanding Mental Capacity is critical, with Professor Keith Brown
Watch my conversation with Professor Keith Brown on YouTube above or listen on the podcast player below
Professor Keith Brown has spent a lifetime in the medical profession. Starting his career in paediatrics, Keith headed up the paediatrics intensive care unit at St. George’s Hospital in London. After a number of years he moved into academia and for the past 20 years he has led the National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice (NCPQSW).
Keith specialises in in mental health, mental capacity and the care and safeguarding of older persons. He also sits on a number of government advisory boards and has been called upon to provide guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Department of Health Adult Safeguarding Advisory Board
Joint Department of Health and Ministry of Justice National Mental Capacity Leadership forum
Home Office Joint Financial task force.
Professor Brown wrote the national guidance on Next of Kin and Lasting Powers of Attorney, as well as the national guidance on Advanced Decision to Refuse Treatment.
In the first of two interviews, we chat about mental capacity, the role of the next of kin, lasting powers of attorney and how to ensure your wishes are followed in the event of tragedy at any stage of life.
Useful links
National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice (NCPQSW)
Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment – guidance and Booklet
Next of Kin – Understanding decision-making authorities Booklet
Watch on YouTube
Email Professor Brown