National Review of the use of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in Wales

Key findings and recommendations of our joint review with Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW)

The review took place in April and May 2014. It involved a survey of the Local Health Boards and local authorities in Wales. Fieldwork was also carried out in all Local Health Boards and one local authority on each Local Health Board footprint.

Key findings

  • The Review found examples of good practice across Wales; in some cases this had led to people being able to return to their own home in the community;
  • There was a lack of awareness and understanding of the Safeguards in particular within care homes and amongst some hospital staff though the situation in hospitals is improving.  Some thought that making an application would reflect badly on their organisation, rather than a means of supporting people who do not have mental capacity and their families to make decisions about their care and support arrangements;
  • The training and skills development for staff involved in the delivery of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and DoLS was very fragmented;
  • The use of conditions attached to the Safeguards was very variable and some areas rarely used them;
  • Information for the public was not always available in a clear format;
  • The role of Dols co-ordinators in hospitals and local authorities and their personal commitment had the biggest impact on the quality and quantity of applications.

Documents