Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards in hospitals and care homes

This page is for hospital staff, care home managers and professionals who need to apply for a DoLS authorisation.

When a DoLS application is required

You must apply for DoLS if a person:

• Lacks capacity to consent to their care or treatment, and
• Is, or is likely to be, under continuous supervision and control, and
• is not free to leave the hospital or care home

The care home or hospital is the managing authority and is responsible for making the application.

Standard and urgent authorisations

Standard authorisation should be requested in advance where possible.

Urgent authorisation can be used where deprivation of liberty needs to begin immediately, while the standard process is completed.

What happens after you apply

Once an application is received the local authority acts as the supervisory body.

A series of independent assessments are arranged, before authorisation is be granted for up to 12 months, with conditions if needed.

If authorisation is refused, care arrangements must be changed so they do not amount to a deprivation of liberty.

The person’s rights

If a DoLS authorisation is granted, the person:

• Must have a Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR)
• Has the right to request a review
• Can challenge the authorisation, including through the Court of Protection

Apply for DoLS

[Apply for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards]
(Link to new form)

Contact

For help and support, contact the DoLS team:

• Email: dols@wandsworth.gov.uk 
• Telephone: 020 8871 8702