Government pledges new Mental Health Act after review urges shift in power from professionals to patients
Site Admin • 6 December 2018
source: Community Care
published: 6 December 2018
The government has committed to introduce a Mental Health Bill to transform care for detained patients after an independent review recommended new legislation that placed people’s rights, choices and dignity at its heart.
Following today’s publication of the final report of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act 1983, the government has, so far, accepted two of its recommendations: ( see the full report here)
- to replace the nearest relative role, in which a patient is allocated a relative to be involved in decisions about their care, with that of a nominated person that they would choose
- to allow people to make statutory advance choice documents setting out their preferences for inpatient treatment, which clinicians must honour unless there are compelling reasons not to
Four principles
The review’s recommendations are designed to transform the law on the detention and compulsory treatment of people with serious mental health problems around four principles:
- Choice and autonomy – ensuring people’s views and choices are respected
- Least restriction – ensuring the act’s powers are used in the least restrictive way
- Therapeutic benefit – ensuring people are supported to get better so they can be discharged from the act
- The person as an individual – ensuring people are viewed and treated as rounded individuals
Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation based in West Bromwich, has been named Small Business of the Year at the 2026 Black Talent Awards held at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
If you’re in the West Midlands, aged 18 to 24, and looking for a job or struggling to cope at work, Qwell can help. There is no cost, no waiting lists and no referral needed to use this unique service.
In October, Catalyst launched its Community Engagement Research webinar series to promote CHERP, a trusted hub linking researchers with underserved African and Caribbean communities.
Community Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to talk through difficult experiences or life situations. Free short-term counselling for adults aged 18 and over in Birmingham or Solihull.
