The Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended) in England and Wales for foundation doctors

Abstract

The Mental Health Act 1983 provides a legal framework for the assessment and treatment of mental disorder in the absence of consent. The use of the Mental Health Act in the general hospital is considered from both a legal and practical perspective. Whilst the Foundation doctor is unable to fulfil any statutory functions under the Act an awareness of the aspects of the law relevant to problems that may arise in the general hospital and practical issues about organising specialist assessment are highlighted as being essential to good patient care.