Mental Health Act

[curly~sue]

How would you go about having someone within your family sectioned ?

c~s

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, many have tried with me, but to no avail...

[ummmm]

It depends on the reason and whether they are a danger to themselves or others. Phone your GP.

[Octavius]

A patient can be sectioned if they are perceived to be a threat to themselves or other people.

Generally, a patient can only be sectioned if two doctors and a social worker or a close relative of the patient believe it is necessary.

One of these doctors is usually a psychiatrist. The other is often a doctor who knows the patient well.

However, in an emergency one doctor's recommendation may be sufficient.

An approved social worker also has to be involved in the assessment, and has to agree that being sectioned is the best course of action for that patient.

The social worker then makes the application for a place in secure accommodation for the patient.

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, i am safe then. i dont have a doctor...

Octavius is always full of useful info : )

[bednobs]

the first step is to speak with the patient's gp i think

[bednobs]

sorry pressed post too quick!
anyway, a lot of people get sectioned throught their contact with other services (ie police when they have done something bonkers or a and e when they have hurt themselves)
if you want to prevent the above, then i think the gp is the first step

[curly~sue]

Thank you all. That is very helpful.