- Priory supports proposed amendment to Mental Capacity Act
- Campaign driven by mother Fiona Laskaris following death of her autistic son
- CEO Rebekah Cresswell has written to cross-party MPs offering insight and support
Priory, the UK’s largest independent provider of mental health and social care services, is supporting a proposed amendment to the Mental Capacity Act that would allow families to request mental capacity assessments for their loved ones.
The amendment is driven by mother Fiona Laskaris following the tragic death of her autistic son Christopher, who had not received the mental health or housing support he required and was attacked at his home in 2016.
Her efforts have triggered a national conversation – backed by cross-party MPs – about the rights of families and the safeguards in place for people with autism and mental health needs.
Advocacy could save lives
“Fiona has shown extraordinary courage in transforming the grief she has suffered from this tragedy into advocacy that could save lives and we fully support the proposed amendment to the Mental Capacity Act,” said Rebekah Cresswell, chief executive of Priory.
“Families can be the first to spot signs of distress or deterioration and it is essential they are listened to. The proposal being outlined gives families a clearer route to raise concerns and would ensure timely assessments are carried out which is a sensible and compassionate change – and one that is long overdue.”
An additional safeguard
Priory provides care and support for individuals with autism, learning disabilities and complex mental health needs across specialist hospitals, residential homes and supported living services.
Ms Cresswell said: “We see every day how essential it is to provide timely, person-centred support. This amendment would introduce an important additional safeguard, helping to ensure that individuals are not left without appropriate assessment and intervention at critical moments in their care.”
The organisation has previously welcomed the government’s plans to reform the Mental Health Act, and has called for legislative and systemic improvements to better reflect the needs of autistic people and those with learning disabilities.
Offering insight and support
She added: “We urge policymakers to take this amendment forward and to engage with families, providers and professionals to ensure that our laws protect the most vulnerable in our society.”
Ms Cresswell has written to the three MPs backing the campaign – Sir Jeremy Hunt, Chris Coghlan and Jake Richards – to offer any insight or support that may assist Parliament as the amendment progresses, and to contribute to discussions on how the wider system can be improved.