Although mental health professionals usually try to keep people out of hospital, there are times when admission to hospital is necessary.<\/p>\n
People often agree to go into hospital voluntarily when advised to do so by their doctor. Sometime people are compulsorily detained (sectioned) in hospital under the Mental Health Act. This means they can be made to stay in hospital, even if they don\u2019t want to.<\/p>\n
This can happen to ensure:<\/strong><\/p>\n The \u2018section\u2019 refers to the different sections of the Mental Health Act that sets out this law. Most sections can be requested by an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or a nearest relative. They generally require two doctors to then approve it.<\/p>\n Here is a list of the key sections you are likely to come across, and what each one means.<\/strong><\/p>\n Section 2<\/strong> \u2013 is used to keep people in hospital so they can be properly assessed. Can last for up to 28 days (but usually less)<\/p>\n Section 3<\/strong> \u2013 is used to keep people in hospital for treatment. Can last up to 6 months. May be renewed if more time is needed<\/p>\n Section 4<\/strong> \u2013 is used to keep people for up to 72 hours in an emergency. Only requires one doctor to approve<\/p>\n Section 5<\/strong> \u2013 can be used by a doctor or nurse to stop someone leaving hospital if this is thought to endanger health<\/p>\n Community Treatment Order (CTO)<\/strong> \u2013 ensures people meet certain conditions when they leave hospital (e.g. take medication)<\/p>\n Section 117<\/strong> \u2013 entitles people who have been detained under section (notably section 3) to free aftercare when they leave hospital<\/p>\n If your relative or friend is sectioned then you may need to find more information about what that particular section means. For more detail about how each section operates and how appeals against each section can be made, we recommend visiting Rethink site www.rethink.org<\/a> for information<\/a> on the Mental Health Act. This also explains what aftercare you should expect after each section. You may also find the Mental Health Code of Practice<\/a> useful, as it outlines how the Mental Health Act should be carried out.<\/p>\n Your relative may be distressed about going to hospital. You may also be in a position where you have had to request a hospital admission, even though you know that this is not what your relative wants. This can be very upsetting for everyone.<\/p>\n Staff in the hospital should involve you closely in the care of your relative, unless your relative has stated otherwise, or you ask not to be involved.<\/p>\n If you are keen to be kept informed in this way, then you need to make sure the staff are aware of this and that they know the best way to contact you.<\/p>\n [arrows]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Although mental health professionals usually try to keep people out of hospital, there are times when admission to hospital is necessary. People often agree to go into hospital voluntarily when advised to do so by their doctor. Sometime people are compulsorily detained (sectioned) in hospital under the Mental Health Act. This means they can be <\/p>\n\n
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Involvement should include:<\/h5>\n
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Other top tips include:<\/h5>\n
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