Sectioning under the mental health act ?

Question

what happens ,i think i know a person who needs to be sectioned ( has alreaddy attempted sucicide) how do i know it has to be done ! can it been done when the person is drunk

Answer 1

I think you need the agreement of 2 health professionals to get a person sectioned so the first thing to do would be to call the doctor out if you're seriously concerned.
To the person above, I'm sorry but the police will not do anything. Believe me I know someone who has been in a similar situation.

Answer 2

Before you do anything you need to consider whether they actually need sectioning or not. Once someone has been sectioned it stays with them, have you exhausted the other options? If you are scared about someone you care for it can be easy to go for the option which ensures they are out of harms way and (sorry if this sounds harsh, I don't mean it too) not your responsibility. What you think is for the best for them is not necessarily.
Once you have thought about all that if you still think it is for the best the other respondents are correct, you need two medical professionals and either a family member or social worker. Call NHS direct, they should be able to put you in touch with the relevant people.
Good luck, I hope everything works out for both you and the person you are worried about.

Answer 3

The response given by angie was almost spot on.

One of the doctors does not need to be a pyschiatrist. The two doctors need to be from two different practices, one of whom must already know the patient. It must also be an Approved Social Worker, a Social Worker that has undergone further training under the Mental Health Act after qualifying.

I doubt, very much, that anyone would be sectioned whilst under the influence of alcohol. After all, it could be the alcohol (or abuse of alcohol) that is presenting the situations that you state.

Answer 4

Generally, a patient can only be sectioned if two doctors and a social worker or a close relative of the patient believe it is necessary.

One of these doctors is usually a psychiatrist. The other is often a doctor who knows the patient well.

However, in an emergency one doctor's recommendation may be sufficient.

An approved social worker also has to be involved in the assessment, and has to agree that being sectioned is the best course of action for that patient.

The social worker then makes the application for a place in secure accommodation for the patient.

Answer 5

Try this link to find good information about this

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Rights+guide/Mindrightsguide1Civiladmissiontohospital.htm

It isn't a simple process and involves quite a few people before it can actually happen.

Also you can phone NHS direct who will be able to advise you and tell you wha you need to do if you are concerned about this person.

NHS Direct

0845 4647

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

I know this is a worrying time for you, but you must accept that this may be the best way of getting the treatment this person really needs.

If possible it may help if the person is willing to go to hospital and receive treatment rather than being sectioned, that way they will retain rights as a voluntary patient. NHS Direct should be able to explain this to you,

Do you have a Crisis Team in your area, they would be able to offer help and support and may be able to help you get this person into hospital rather than having to go down the official sectioning route.

You are doing all you can, and trying your best to support his person. I applaud you for that, whatever happens make sure that you are around to offer support,

Being sectioned can be a traumatic experience, hence the advice to try for a voluntary admittance. This still takes time as assessments need to be done, but it will help if you are around.

Good luck

Answer 6

Someone can be sectioned where there is a belief they are a danger to themselves or others, sometimes someone with mental illness can be drunk and sectioned. There's no hard and fast rules, each case is different and the whole picture is one to be considered by the healthcare professionals

Answer 7

it can only be done if you can PROVE he/she is a danger to themselves or others.
Mind you, I've seen suicidal people in hospitals & there isn't much they can do for them. At the most, they'll put them on suicide watch with a nurse who sits outside their room. Also, someone commited suicide in the hospital itself(I don't know how though).
What I mean is hospital is not necessarily the best place for them; but depends on staff & nurses.
It doesn't matter if they're drunk or not; if they issue the section, it takes place whatever the conditions.
If you really thinl that's the best thing to do, you should do sth, at least you did your best & then you won't feel bad if (God forbid) sth happens. I'm really sorry I cant be of more help.
Please pray for them & ask God for help.

Answer 8

In PA the county your in has to endorse the "section 302". Noone is allowed to get 302'd when drunk. The states and counties all vary greatly though. All places require that the patient be a danger to himself or others.

Answer 9

Has to be two doctors and an approved social worker- like someone said before.Make sure your seriour thou Its Not a nice experience believe- they tried to come section me last week, treatened me with police warrants etc to break down my door- NOT NICE!

Answer 10

no cant if only drunk if in very depressed state can then but as to be family if you in uk who get them sectioned