Guardianship of Pamela

This matter is before us by way of reservation and report to the Appeals Court in accordance with G. L. c. 215, § 13 (1986 ed.). We took the case on our own motion.

On March 31, 1986, a District Court judge determined that “Pamela” was incompetent in that by reason of mental illness, she was incapable of taking care of herself. Pamela was ordered to be committed to Northampton State Hospital (Northampton). The judge, acting pursuant to c. 123, § 8B (d), also determined that Pamela was incapable of making informed decisions concerning medical treatment, and that her substituted judgment would…