Capacity assessments must consider more than generic information. This Court of Protection judgment shows why assessors must identify the real-world consequences of a decision, including risks to care, treatment, accommodation and family advocacy. It is a reminder that expert evidence must answer the correct legal question, not just describe clinical presentation.

Louise is a qualified and registered Social Worker with a master’s degree in international human rights. Louise has worked with adults and older people since 2002 in varied social care roles including as a university lecturer program lead. Louise currently supports students from Oxford Brookes university as a practice educator. Louise is an emphatic but professional and will strive to achieve the very best for all stakeholders.

In Life Expectancy Reports, a second opinion is sometimes necessary to ensure a comprehensive and evidence-based prognosis