When should a GP issue a removal order?

A GP should issue a removal order when the adult is at immediate risk. This situation typically arises when there is a clear and present danger to the individual's safety or wellbeing, necessitating swift action to prevent harm. This aligns with the principle of safeguarding, where protecting individuals from harm is a priority. In this context, a removal order serves as a legal mechanism to ensure that the individual is taken out of a harmful situation promptly, allowing for appropriate support and intervention to be provided.

While hospitalization or a lack of consent may be relevant factors, they do not inherently trigger the need for a removal order. For instance, hospitalization may be required for medical reasons but does not automatically indicate immediate risk that justifies a removal order. Similarly, an adult's inability to provide consent might necessitate intervention, but unless there is a specific risk involved, it does not warrant a removal order by itself. Lastly, the commission of a crime does not directly correlate with the decision to issue a removal order, as the focus is specifically on the immediate risk to the individual rather than their legal standing or actions.