Changes Planned To The Mental Health Act Due To Pandemic Influenza

One doctor only required to section an individual!

The Department of Health has embarked upon plans to reduce the number of doctors required in order to section an individual under the mental health and force them into a mental institution against their will. The reason being that it is envisaged that when the flu pandemic hits the UK this winter, it is expected to cause staff shortages in the areas of mental health and GP surgeries. Currently at least two doctors are required before anyone can be sectioned.

The plans are outlined in a consultative document issued only to a target audience of Primary Care Trusts, NHS Trusts and other other parties such as Mental health voluntary sector bodies (including service user organisations) and independent psychiatric hospitals.

There are further details which can be downloaded by clicking on the pic or by going to the E-Library Database in order to access the consultative document.

Those opposing such measures will be reminded of the victoria era of dealing with any form of mental illness from the mild depression to the more serious mental illnesses. They will also be reminded of the fact that it took only one person to have someone sectioned and that many people ended up in mental institutions without even having any form of mental illness. The argument for making such changes refers to the flu pandemic and that such emergency action would only apply in situations such as a pandemic which causes major staff shortages.

The consultation was not announced publicly and started within the NHS on 10th September and concludes on 7th October. The plan then is to review the consultation results and put forward legislation changes to parliament asap.

It seems doubtful that there will be any public consultation on the matter.

Source: Dept of Health

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