I empathise with the scenario of poor communication from hospitals. I was contacted by CQC last week and assured that MH secure hospitals do have a responsibility to support family communication and relationships - particularly when in my case [quote] “you have demonstrated commitment to staying involved in your son’s life and wanting to sustain the family relationship.”
I was in a similar position at court when my son was unrepresented after an absconsion. The judge was very kind, not expecting us to know the system, and rescheduled while we found a lawyer. I actually couldn’t use Richard Okolo at Burke Niazi (due to him being involved in my son’s MH tribunal) but he put me in a good direction to find another solicitor (who I don’t recommend as much)