Independent Advocacy Service to The State Hospital.

Descriptions

The State Hospital are not looking for legal service in this tender.Independent Advocacy Service to The State HospitalThe State Hospital is Scotland's only high security hospital. It provides assessment, treatment and care in conditions of special security for individuals with mental disorder who, because of their dangerous, violent or criminal propensities, cannot be cared for in any other setting. Employing around 700 staff, the hospital is a national resource for Scotland and Northern Ireland and is a special health board.The State Hospital is an NHS secure hospital with approximately 140 patients in our care.The State Hospital recognises that many of our patients may be disadvantaged or excluded by being a patient at the hospital. People who are vulnerable to such an extent that they are unlikely to be able to fulfil their basic human needs, or require support or assistance to be heard, deserve the right to access independent advocacy.The State Hospital feels that the best model of advocacy to meet the needs of patients is that of independent professional advocacy.The aim is to support people to represent their own interests. If this is not possible, the advocate will represent the person's views.The advocate provides support on specific issues. He or she provides information and options and will provide short or long term support. Independent professional advocates will support several people at any time.The main objectives of the service is to deliver the following:— Empowering people who need a stronger voice by enabling them to express their own needs and make their own decisions.— Provide a means of enabling patients to make informed decisions and to remain in control of their own care.— Help patients access information they need to understand options open to them.— Help them make their views and wishes known.— Ensure patients feel they are valued, respected, empowered and that they are listened to.— Safeguard and protect the rights of patients unable, for whatever reason, to speak up for themselves.— Safeguarding people who are vulnerable and discriminated against or whom services find difficult to serve.