I am setting up a MHA assessment for a young woman who was detained under the Act once before in quite traumatic circumstances, and partly in consequence is now refusing to engage entirely with professional help. She will read detailed information about the process of assessment and detention-about “sectioning”-and has asked for this. It cannot be on-line, so a document full of hyperlinks like the MIND site is no use. Rethink has quite a good patient-focussed factsheet, but can anyone suggest better?
Do you have a copy of the Reference Guide, Chapter 8 covers applications.
These NHS easy reads are very good.
Hi Tim,
Perhaps the detaining authority (hospital) may be able to provide their rights and information sheets on the particular part of the Act that is being considered for this lady?
Hi Tim, I think your question exposes the lack of information available about MHAAs aimed at people who are about to undergo one and unpaid carers. In response to this some AMHP services are proactively co-producing information resources with people with lived experience, in line with what the National AMHP Service Standards says should be happening. This involves taking a systematic approach to getting feedback from people about the experience of being assessed as well as pre and post assessment support. This could allow scope to support the development of a lived experience group, if one doesn’t exist , for longer term involvement in AMHP service development. In direct answer to your question though, mental_health_act_assessments_brief_guide_2018.pdf
These are the leaflets available in Wales. Mental Health Act - NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee