The Mental Health Act Commission and Second Opinions

I am grateful for the opportunity of commenting on a recent article by Dr Paul Bridges, ‘Psychosurgery and the Mental Health Act Commission’ (Bulletin, August 1984, 8, 146–48). It may be useful to clarify the areas where we agree with him and to put into context matters in which he is critical. In the latter case I wish to consider whether his criticism is accurately directed at the Commission's policies.