Latest statistics for the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards published by NHS Digital
Annual statistics have been released by NHS Digital on Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications made to councils in England.
Mental Capacity Act (2005) Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (England): 2015-16 contains summary analysis of the DoLS applications reported as having been received and/or completed by Local Authorities during the reporting year.
Since 2009, care providers have had to seek approval from their Local Authority if they need to deprive an individual lacking capacity of their liberty, as part of their care and/or treatment.
Today’s report analyses the second full year of data since the Supreme Court judgement4 of March 2014, which led to a substantial increase in the number of DoLS applications received by councils.
The number of applications received during the period is analysed by:
- the period when received (monthly for April 2014 to March 2016. Annual time series are available from 2009-10 through to 2015-16)
- application status and outcome5
- demographic information of people who have been the subject of a DoLS application
The full annual report is at: content.digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21814
