Greater awareness and a joined up approach is needed to deal with the difficulties surrounding capacity issues in Northern Ireland, a conference hosted by the Law Society of Northern Ireland heard.

The Elder Law conference, organised alongside Age NI and Step NI, provided a platform for medico-legal professionals to share current thinking around capacity issues, discuss the challenges and problems which lie ahead and identify areas of commonality and approach.

Over 140 doctors, health care and legal professionals attended the conference, which included a series of presentations and contributions.

Ian Huddleston, president of the Law Society, was among the key note speakers, who also included:

Mr Huddleston said: “The Elder Law Conference is timely given the considerable issues which exist around, capacity issues, mental health provision and the need for greater joined up approach.

“The importance of this conference is reflected in the senior medical and legal professionals attending all of whom remain committed to developing a joined up approach to respond to capacity issues in Northern Ireland.”