Mental Health Act Managers
The charity has a variety of Mental Health Act Managers, whose duty it is to evaluate a patient’s detention under the Act at certain intervals or at the request of the service user.
Our Managers operate in panels of three; they ensure that, in addition to the clinical teams who monitor status on a regular basis, the statutory rights of our many detained service users are met. These teams consider written and verbal evidence presented by the resident’s Consultant and other clinical team members, and meet with the service user on their ward. Following this, the Manager’s panel must consider whether the grounds for continued detention under the Act are still satisfied.
The Managers conduct their hearings in a manner that is fair, in good faith and without bias to ensure all parties concerned have the opportunity to state their case. The patient’s health, safety and protection of themselves and others is the key to this role.
Our Mental Health Act Managers are not employed by St Andrew’s; often their role is voluntary. Managers are initially trained in the relevant aspects of the Mental Health Act and the Code of Practice Mental Health Act 1983. They then embark on a period of shadowing experienced panel members until they feel confident with their role and the organisation is satisfied they are ready to sit on the panels.
Our MHA Managers play a challenging and important role within our organisation. They have excellence communication skills and work across all levels of St Andrew's Healthcare to ensure that patients are aware of their legal rights and their views are protected.
If you would like to know more about Mental Health Act Managers, or are interested in becoming one, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01604 616000.