TABLE OF CONTENT
The mental health patients rights are primarily governed by the mental health act 1983 and other laws. These laws aim to:
- Protect dignity
- Autonomy
- Access to proper care
In this blog, we will look into some patients rights in the UK which holds legal support for vulnerable people.
Care Act 2014 Mental Health Rights UK
Rights of Mental Health Patients Under the Care Act 2014 UK
The Care Act 2014 ensures support for adult care. It addresses the specific needs of people with mental issues. The aim is to help them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
This 2014 Act provides a clear strategy for supporting those in need of care in the UK. It aims to provide care services for specific needs.
As Care Minister Norman Lamb (2014) emphasized during the Act’s implementation:
“The Care Act has created a single, modern law that makes it clear what kind of care people should expect – both for those needing support and their carers.”
Care minister Norman Lamb
This mental health patients rights guide local authorities to:
- Ensure the well-being of people.
- Provide information and give them advice when they need it.
- Assess their requirements and take steps to fulfill them.
- Work with health services to provide care and support.
- Ensure legal support to carers.
- Develop and review care plans.
- Ensure adults’ dignity and well-being.
People with mental illnesses may need help from social services. These services assess your need for care and support, keeping your well-being on priority. They make sure that your housing, employment, and social inclusion requirements are met.
Assessment of Needs (Sections 9-13)
Section 9 guidelines direct assessing adults’ needs, which include:
- Physical and mental health needs
- Financial needs
- Support and guidance to maintain a healthy daily routine
According to a report, about 1 in every 4 people experience any kind of psychic disorder in England. The same report suggests that 1 in 6 persons has a common mental disorder (CMD).
Rights Under 1983 Act
Under mental health patients rights, they can be detained for treatment if they pose a risk to themselves or others.
Section 2
- Detention for assessment (up to 28 days).
Section 3
- Detention for treatment (up to 6 months, renewable).
136 Section of 1983
Allows police to remove someone from a public place to a place of safety.
Read the full article on Mental Health Act 1983
Right to Challenge Detention
Detained patients can appeal through a Mental Health Tribunal.
- They can request a review by the hospital managers.
- They have the right to legal representation and advocacy.
Right to Refuse Treatment (With Exceptions)
- Voluntary patients can refuse treatment unless they lack capacity.
- Detained patients can be treated without consent under certain sections of the MHA.
Rights Under the Capacity Act 2005
If a patient lacks mental capacity, decisions must be made in their best interests.
- Patients can create an advance decision to refuse future treatment.
- The lasting power of attorney allows someone to make decisions on their behalf.
Explore this blog for Understanding Mental Capacity Assessments
Right to Privacy and Dignity
- Patients have the right to confidentiality regarding their mental health records.
- Information can only be shared without consent in cases of serious risk under mental health patients rights.
Protection from Discrimination (Equality Act 2010)
- Landlords, employers and service providers cannot be biased with people on the basis of their mental health conditions.
- The required reforms must be made in workplaces and othe public service institutions.
Get more insights about Mental health Equality Act 2010 UK
Right to Social Support
- Patients may be entitled to financial support (e.g., Personal Independence Payment (PIP)).
- They have a right to social care tests for additional help.
Conclusion
The government offers proper assistance to mental health patients rights. However, knowing these rights may require help from an expert lawyer.
You and your solicitor can benefit greatly from a detailed psychology report. This is where Concise Medico can help. Our experienced psychologists provide you with detailed, accurate witness reports. Their experts work with local authorities to give you the best possible care under the Act 2014. Contact us to make an appointment.
FAQs
The mental health patients rights are primarily governed by the mental health act 1983 and other laws. These laws aim to:
- Protect dignity
- Autonomy
- Access to proper care
In this blog, we will look into some patients rights in the UK which holds legal support for vulnerable people.
Care Act 2014 Mental Health Rights UK
Rights of Mental Health Patients Under the Care Act 2014 UK
The Care Act 2014 ensures support for adult care. It addresses the specific needs of people with mental issues. The aim is to help them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
This 2014 Act provides a clear strategy for supporting those in need of care in the UK. It aims to provide care services for specific needs.
As Care Minister Norman Lamb (2014) emphasized during the Act’s implementation:
“The Care Act has created a single, modern law that makes it clear what kind of care people should expect – both for those needing support and their carers.”
Care minister Norman Lamb
This mental health patients rights guide local authorities to:
- Ensure the well-being of people.
- Provide information and give them advice when they need it.
- Assess their requirements and take steps to fulfill them.
- Work with health services to provide care and support.
- Ensure legal support to carers.
- Develop and review care plans.
- Ensure adults’ dignity and well-being.
People with mental illnesses may need help from social services. These services assess your need for care and support, keeping your well-being on priority. They make sure that your housing, employment, and social inclusion requirements are met.
Assessment of Needs (Sections 9-13)
Section 9 guidelines direct assessing adults’ needs, which include:
- Physical and mental health needs
- Financial needs
- Support and guidance to maintain a healthy daily routine
According to a report, about 1 in every 4 people experience any kind of psychic disorder in England. The same report suggests that 1 in 6 persons has a common mental disorder (CMD).
Rights Under 1983 Act
Under mental health patients rights, they can be detained for treatment if they pose a risk to themselves or others.
Section 2
- Detention for assessment (up to 28 days).
Section 3
- Detention for treatment (up to 6 months, renewable).
136 Section of 1983
Allows police to remove someone from a public place to a place of safety.
Read the full article on Mental Health Act 1983
Right to Challenge Detention
Detained patients can appeal through a Mental Health Tribunal.
- They can request a review by the hospital managers.
- They have the right to legal representation and advocacy.
Right to Refuse Treatment (With Exceptions)
- Voluntary patients can refuse treatment unless they lack capacity.
- Detained patients can be treated without consent under certain sections of the MHA.
Rights Under the Capacity Act 2005
If a patient lacks mental capacity, decisions must be made in their best interests.
- Patients can create an advance decision to refuse future treatment.
- The lasting power of attorney allows someone to make decisions on their behalf.
Explore this blog for Understanding Mental Capacity Assessments
Right to Privacy and Dignity
- Patients have the right to confidentiality regarding their mental health records.
- Information can only be shared without consent in cases of serious risk under mental health patients rights.
Protection from Discrimination (Equality Act 2010)
- Landlords, employers and service providers cannot be biased with people on the basis of their mental health conditions.
- The required reforms must be made in workplaces and othe public service institutions.
Get more insights about Mental health Equality Act 2010 UK
Right to Social Support
- Patients may be entitled to financial support (e.g., Personal Independence Payment (PIP)).
- They have a right to social care tests for additional help.
Conclusion
The government offers proper assistance to mental health patients rights. However, knowing these rights may require help from an expert lawyer.
You and your solicitor can benefit greatly from a detailed psychology report. This is where Concise Medico can help. Our experienced psychologists provide you with detailed, accurate witness reports. Their experts work with local authorities to give you the best possible care under the Act 2014. Contact us to make an appointment.
