The purpose of this essay is to examine Rita's situation, her vulnerability, and how a multidisciplinary, nurse-centered team could help her. Under normal circumstances, consent would be obtained from the client and a false name used to protect the client. However, Rita is a fictitious client, so consent is not required, case scenario appended. The Department of Health, Clinical Governance and Adult Safeguarding (DH 2010 Page 14) guidance states "There is no formal definition of vulnerability in healthcare, although some People receiving health care may be at greater risk than others. " However, this document goes on to cite No secrets (DH 2000, page 8) which defines a vulnerable adult as a person "who has or may need community care services because of a mental or other disability, his or her age or illness; and who is or may be unable to care for themselves, or unable to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation.” People are generally more vulnerable when their health or usual functions are compromised; vulnerability is increased by a change in environment, situations and relationships. Particular care should be taken when working with physically frail people, the mentally ill, people with learning disabilities and children to protect these groups from abuse. (NMC 2006 Page 1) The Mental Capacity Act 2005 “applies to England and Wales and provides a statutory framework to empower and protect vulnerable people who are incapable of making their own decisions. It applies to people aged 16 and over, with potentially 1.2 million people directly affected, and will include people with dementia, learning disabilities, brain injuries, mental health problems and autism. Scotland has similar legislation in place...... middle of document ......and Offredy, M. (2006) Becoming a nurse in the 21st century. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Page 27Peate, I. and Offredy, M. (2006) Becoming a nurse in the 21st century. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Page 34Peate, I. and Offredy, M. (2006) Becoming a nurse in the 21st century. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Page 41Peate, I. and Offredy, M. (2006) Becoming a nurse in the 21st century. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Page 53Peate, I. and Offredy, M. (2006) Becoming a nurse in the 21st century. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Page 60Peate, I. and Offredy, M. (2006) Becoming a nurse in the 21st century. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Page 69Peate, I. and Offredy, M. (2006) Becoming a nurse in the 21st century. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Page 123Peate, I. and Offredy, M. (2006) Becoming a nurse in the 21st century. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Page 126