RC arrangements for long-term S17

We have a patient that is likely to be discharged into the community under long-term S17 as he is unlikely to be able to be conditionally discharged from his S37/41 but not longer requires hospital treatment. The plan was also suggested by the Tribunal at his last hearing.

In discussions, the RC is concerned over who will take over as RC - would the community RC be expected to take the patient onto their caseload or would this remain with the inpatient RC as we would remain the Responsible Authority?

I’m aware that long-term S17 is a common work around for this element of the MHA (until Supervised Discharge is implemented) but I haven’t come across this myself so I’m not familiar with any of the logistical arrangements.

Any advice is appreciated please! :slight_smile:

Patient is still an inpatient so it’s reasonable to think the current RC will remain in charge

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An RC has to be assigned by the MHA Managing Authority / hospital, but for some cases I’m aware that there has been an ‘on paper’ transfer to a more local hospital into a virtual bed ahead of s17(3) long term leave commencing where a Community based Approved Clinician working for that Trust takes on RC responsibility for the person. It can take quite some time to arrange all the various factors needed and appropriate to each person’s situation.

You might find some useful information here https://static1.squarespace.com/static/682eda3ca89d032d692c321c/t/68c32fd19dd1b76070073a92/1757622228403/2022+08+07+MM+Practice+Guidance+Version+2+FINAL.pdf pages 18-23 are specifically about the practicalities of long term s17(3) leave.

I wouldn’t say that it is common, but there are a number of such cases across the country and if needed MHCS can pop you in touch with other RCs and systems who have arrangements in place so you can ask for the practical details on how it all works from people who are actually doing it. Angie Munley at MHCS has been leading work recently on these long term section 17 leave cases, but I’d imagine any of the heads of team at MHCS could assist you.

Good luck with it all.

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