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Advance statements

Topics covered in this article:

Why bother with an advance statement?

''Writing an advance statement has made me feel that I have taken control of my care and treatment. I feel more empowered and the whole process has given me an opportunity to think through my mental health history and what works for me.'' Read more about why one service user decided to make an advance statement and how it influenced care decisions .

What should an advance statement look like?

Is there guidance to help service users and professionals prepare advance statements?

• CAPS advocacy, in association with Advocard have developed an advance statement form to help people structure their own advance statement.
• North Lanarkshire statutory mental health service providers have also produced Lanarkshire guidance for staff on advance statements .
• Scottish Government guide to preparing an advance statement

Have advance statements made a difference?

The Mental Welfare Commission have published a report on  advance statements and compulsory treatment orders . The report is based on visits to patients in October and November 2006, one year on from the implementation of the mental health Act and 18 months on from the introduction of advance statements.

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