Mental Health Act Reforms - Where are We Now?

Introduction

According to the gov.uk website the, long-awaited, propose amendments to the Mental Health Act (1983) will bring an ‘unprecedented transformation and make mental health services fit for the future’.

Although the reforms have been delayed by the pandemic, there is no denying that the Mental Health Act 1983 is becoming increasingly outdated as modern health and social care focuses far more on the patient ‘voice’ and patient choice.

The promised ‘unprecedented transformation’ proposes to increase the access to liberty for those suffering from mental health conditions. People with learning disabilities or on the autistic spectrum will, for the most part, no longer be treated as mentally unwell and in circumstances where they must be detained in hospital, there is a commitment towards ensuring that this will be for the shortest possible duration.

One of the main focuses of the NHS Long Term Plan is to ensure an increase in the provision of community support, thereby reducing the need for hospital admission.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Are these proposals a solid commitment to change?
• Will any change be effective in stopping the rapidly rising rate of mental health detentions, especially in the current economic climate?
• Will the NHS Long Term Plan work for mental health services?
• What changes will we actually see and what will this mean to the work of the Mental Health Tribunal Legal Representative?

This pre-recorded webinar will be streamed at 12:30pm on Monday 3rd April 2023 and will remain available to view by delegates who have registered by then for 90 days.