Mental Health Services

A personal specially trained to provide support and assistance to patients subject to section.

Someone who has voluntarily agreed to stay in hospital. They are free to discharge themselves and decide whether or not to follow a treatment plan.

The non-clinical managers responsible for the administration of the hospital. They can consider applications for discharge made by detained patients by way of a Managers Review.

Someone who is detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act.

To spend time off the ward accompanied by a member of staff. Referred to as s17 leave.

To be admitted to hospital and not allowed to leave.

To change Nearest Relative either by consent or displacement proceedings.

The responsible clinician can discharge someone who has been held under certain sections back into the community where they will continue to receive treatment. A CTO will set certain conditions for this discharge and if these conditions are breached and the person becomes unwell, they can be returned to hospital.

Team that supports people in the community with mental health problems and their carers.

A person’s ability to understand information and make and communicate decisions about their life. The Court of Protection can be asked to determine whether a person has capacity. Where they do not have capacity, the Court can make decisions and appoint people to make decisions for them in their best interests.

Mental health professional such as a nurse, social worker or other mental health worker. They are responsible for undertaking an assessment to work out health and social care needs in the community. They are the main point of contact and support if you require ongoing support after discharge.

A medical professional called to the police station if medical assessment or treatment is required.

Medical treatment that is suitable, available and takes into account the nature and degree of the mental health problem and individual’s circumstances.

Mental health professionals approved by local social services to carry out duties under the Mental Health Act, including to coordinate assessment and admission when someone is sectioned. Usually a social worker, nurse, occupational therapist or psychologist.

To be discharged from section under the Mental Health Act and from hospital without any conditions.

This is when a person is discharged from hospital but remains liable to be brought back into hospital.
Conditional discharges only apply to patients sectioned under the Mental Health act, charged with a crime and to a restricted patient under a restriction order; or when they are transferred to hospital from prison under Mental Health Act, a restricted patient under a restricted direction.

Absolute human rights that cannot be taken away under any circumstances e.g. the right to a fair trial.