Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 1 of 1
Suspension of detention: guidance on best practice when suspending compulsory treatment
- Author:
- MENTAL WELFARE COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND
- Publisher:
- Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 8p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
This is a guide to best practice in the use of suspension of detention under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. A guiding principle of the Act is that care and treatment should be delivered in a way that is least restrictive of the individual’s freedom. Suspension of detention is a key provision that helps to achieve this for individuals who are detained in hospital. It enables the Responsible Medical Officer (RMO) to suspend a person’s detention, to allow greater freedom and a better quality of life, while still providing the care and treatment he or she needs. Examples of situations where suspension of detention may be used include rehabilitation, compassionate visits, and hospital treatments. Generally, suspension of detention must be granted by the RMO for any time the person spends outside the hospital grounds, regardless of the escort arrangements. This guide considers: what is suspension of detention; who suspends detention; what forms should be used; who must be notified; suspension of detention in practice; and special situations.