Mental Health Guidelines Issued

The Department of Health has issued guidelines ahead of changes to the Mental Health Act that come into effect on November 3rd.

In 2007 the Mental Health Act 1983 was amended, with changes relating to transitional arrangements for application and renewal of detention and a patient’s consent to treatment.

The Department of Health said that hospital managers, social services and health authorities must ensure that their staff are familiar with the transitional arrangements so that they can apply them correctly.

Chair of the Westminster Parliamentary Liaison Committee Dr Ian Hall said: “After eight years we finally have a Mental Health Act 2007.”

“However, we now need to ensure that we get a code of practice that is fit for purpose for patients, carers and professionals alike,” he added.

The Department of Health is also producing further guidance for strategic health authorities on their responsibility of employing approved mental health clinicians.