Mental heath review tribunals: A survey of special hospital patients' opinions

Abstract

Abstract Although mental health review tribunals were introduced to safeguard the rights of patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, increasing concern has been expressed over delays, costs and ultimate efficacy. This study attempted to examine Special Hospital patients' perspectives on the functioning of tribunals. The findings indicate that although patients in this group frequently exercise their rights of application the majority have a very limited understanding of the powers of tribunals. The vast majority of applications were made without consultation with the responsible medical officer (RMO) and in only 6% of cases had a positive RMO recommendation. The latter cases tended to be those which were most successful. Given the costs of aborted tribunal applications and unsuccessful hearings, consideration should be given to greater liaison between legal and medical representatives of patients when considering application for a tribunal hearing, and greater education of patients to improve t...