scholarly journals Ambiguity in Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 388-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laofe Ogundipe ◽  
Femi Oyebode ◽  
Amanda Knight

AIMS and MethodTo investigate the interpretation of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by Section 12(2) approved doctors and to describe a pathway that facilitates early assessment of people detained under Section 136. We surveyed a random sample of Section 12(2) approved doctors in the West Midlands.ResultsA response rate of 70% was achieved. Approximately 65% believe that it would be illegal to transfer a person under Section 136 from the police station to a further place of safety, such as hospital. Thirty-five per cent believed that this could be done legally or were unsure.Clinical ImplicationsAmbiguity still remains about the legal interpretations of the provisions of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983, which needs to be rectified.

1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 534-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Bhatti ◽  
Jeremy Kenney-Herbert ◽  
Rosemarie Cope ◽  
Martin Humphreys

Aims and methodA one-in-five random sample (n=104) of practitioners approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983 in the West Midlands was selected. Opinions were sought on issues relating to current law and potential reform.ResultsEighty-three (80%) doctors were interviewed. Over half (52%) stated that the term ‘mental illness' in the Act was unsatisfactory. Two-thirds (68%) specified the need for a review of legislation relating to treatment in the community.Clinical implicationsThere was a diversity of views. This is likely to be reflected in the clinical practice of those interviewed. Many respondents believed that there was a need for reform in specific areas of the Act.


2000 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Caswell ◽  
Kate Lowe

Aims and MethodTo determine the preference of flexible trainees in psychiatry for consultant posts. A questionnaire survey was conducted among all flexible trainees in psychiatry in the West Midlands Region.ResultsThe overall response rate was 19 out of 21 (90%). The majority 15 out of 19 (68%) hoped to gain such a post at the end of their training. Of those wanting a consultant post, 15 of the 19 (79%) would only consider working part-time. If such a parttime consultant post was not available, 12 of the15 (80%) said they would considera non-career grade post.Clinical ImplicationsIn the West Midlands Region there has been an exponential growth in the number of flexible trainees. Approximately a third are within psychiatry alone and most wish to continue flexible working patterns as consultants. This has major workforce planning implications for the future.


2000 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 216-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Day ◽  
Nick Brown

Aims and MethodsA postal questionnaire of all pre-membership psychiatric trainees in the West Midlands was used to investigate the role of the educational supervisor. The trainees were asked about their experience of educational supervision, and also asked to rank a number of possible roles for their supervisor in order of importance.ResultsA response rate of 70% was achieved. Trainees rated regular appraisal and assessment of skills and deficits as the most important role of the educational supervisor, but had only experienced this in 55% of their training posts thus far. Less than half of the respondents had developed a written educational plan with their educational supervisors, and trainees rated this the least important task of good educational supervision.Clinical ImplicationsThe results of this survey inform the training agenda for trainers, and emphasise the need to equip consultants with the skills to appraise their trainee's educational development.


2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 275-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Okolo ◽  
Laofe O. Ogundipe

Aims and MethodWe explored the views of consultant psychiatrists (trainers and non-trainers) on the effectiveness of the research day. We sent out postal questionnaires to consultant psychiatrists in general adult and old age psychiatry in the West Midlands to evaluate their own experience of the research day and how useful they felt it was.ResultsThe survey had a response rate of 72% (88 out of 122) and the majority of respondents had a positive view of their experience (31 trainers, 60%; 25 non-trainers, 69%). However, more consultant trainers (37, 71%) compared with non-trainers (15, 42%) felt that the research day in its current format should be modified.Clinical ImplicationsThe research day is useful for the training of specialist registrars and our study confirms this view from the consultants surveyed. Some improvement is required in order for specialist registrars to obtain optimal benefit. We make some suggestions for improving the day's effectiveness.


1999 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 405-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Jolly

A 19-year-old student, wandering the streets of a Northern city, is picked up at 3am by a taxi driver. The student requests delivery to a fictitious destination. The student recounts to the driver a series of events including abandonment by parents at the age of six in a forest in the West Country, and subsequent adoption by an elderly couple who live in Birmingham. The taxi driver takes the student to the central police station, where, after a brief interview, sectioning under the Mental Health Act 1983 takes place.


2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 204-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Dale ◽  
Gabrielle Milner

Aims and MethodA questionnaire survey of general adult psychiatric consultants and specialist registrars in the West Midlands was conducted to examine attitudes towards New Ways of Working (NWW) for psychiatrists; these were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Participants were also asked about their own experiences of NWW. the data were analysed using Mann–Whitney U-test.ResultsThe response rate was 31.2%. Attitudes were generally negative, particularly regarding the effect on patient care, the erosion of the professional role of the consultant and effect on quality of work life. the attitudes of those who did not have any direct experience of working to the NWW models were more negative than those who had direct experience of NWW.Clinical ImplicationsThere are significant concerns about NWW among consultants and specialist registrars. There is a need for further debate and research with regard to the proposals.


2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
David William Perry ◽  
Carl Benton ◽  
Martin Walsh ◽  
David Martin ◽  
John Corbett

In 1989, a survey was undertaken to describe the learning disabled population, originating from the West Midlands, classified as mentally impaired or severely mentally impaired under the Mental Health Act 1983. The results obtained were then used to help guide future service development within the region. Given the marked changes in service provision over the subsequent decade, the study was repeated in 1998–1999, looking at the same population on 1st December 1997 (prior to the Bournewood Ruling). Attempts were made to identify all people residing within the West Midlands region, or originating from it, and classified as mentally impaired or severely mentally impaired under the Mental Health Act (1983). This was achieved by contacting medical records departments, learning disability consultants and Health Authorities. The same data set as the original study was then collected from case notes to allow comparison. The current study however, collected extra information, relating to diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Ninety-three people were identified for the study. Over the 10 years, there has been approximately a 100% increase in the numbers of people detained under these categories of the Mental Health Act (1983). There has been a marked increase in the use of the private sector, as well as out-of-region placements. Sexual offending seemed a common reason for detention. The authors attempt to explain this phenomenon. They also highlight the need for future developments and greater systematic data collection.


2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 171-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Hodgson ◽  
A. Jamal ◽  
B. Gayathri

Aims and MethodA postal questionnaire was sent to consultant psychiatrists in the West Midlands to establish their current ward round practice. This questionnaire addressed ward round etiquette, practical issues and educational function. Consultants received only one mailing.ResultsA total of 96 (out of 139) consultants replied (69% response rate). The majority of consultants saw patients on the ward round (97%) and all consultants introduced both themselves and team members to the patient; 72% explained the purpose of the ward round. A median of seven professionals attended the ward round with psychology (6.5%) and pharmacy services (0%) being underrepresented. When consultants added comments, the recurrent themes were that ward rounds were an effective use of professional time but were often daunting for patients.Clinical ImplicationsOur results indicate some uniformity in the conduct of ward rounds. The lack of representation at ward rounds for certain professional groups may adversely affect the range of opinions and therapies for patients. Changes could be made to incorporate the views of users, which would make ward rounds more productive for users and professionals.


2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. F. Moselhy ◽  
G. Georgiou ◽  
A. Kahn ◽  
E. Day

Aims and MethodThis study aimed to assess the current level of amphetamine prescribing for adults in drug services in the West and East Midlands. A questionnaire was developed to investigate prescribing habits and attitudes, and was addressed to the senior member of staff in each drug service within the West and East Midlands area.ResultsA total of 41 services were identified, and 29 questionnaires were returned (a 71% response rate). Of the services that replied, 20 (69%) prescribed amphetamines, with 132 (12%) patients identified as amphetamine misusers currently receiving a prescription. However, 26 (90%) services felt that substitute prescribing did have a role in a comprehensive service for this group.Clinical ImplicationsAlthough amphetamine prescribing has been shown to reduce both criminal and injecting behaviour, only two-thirds of the local services prescribe such drugs, with a small percentage of amphetamine users receiving a prescription. There is a need for a national consensus about substitute prescribing of amphetamines and increased flexibility within drug services when managing the problem.


2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 407-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ursula Doerry ◽  
Lindsey Kent

Aims and MethodA questionnaire was sent to all 55 community child and adolescent psychiatrists working in the West Midlands to examine the prescribing practices of community child psychiatrists, because most previous studies have included prescribing data from specialist (tier 4) services.ResultsThe survey had a good response rate (87%). The vast majority of child psychiatrists were prescribing stimulants and antidepressants, and over half were prescribing antipsychotics and melatonin. At least half of the consultants would consider prescribing an antipsychotic for the treatment of aggressive behaviour. One-third of consultants cited pressure on services as a reason for prescribing medication.Clinical ImplicationsCommunity child psychiatrists were prescribing more medication than expected, which may have a considerable impact on referral rates to adult services in the future. It is concerning that the increased use of medication may be a reflection of pressure on services.


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