Unit 6 Lesson 4: Mental Health and Suicide Intervention Flashcards
Mnemonic for mental health distress.
ALERT
A - Ask (what’s troubling them, suicide?)
L - Listen
E - Encourage (get help)
R - Reassure (and give info)
T - Take (action/signs of distress seriously)
Definition of mental disorder (and act/section providing definition)
S.328 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003;
“Any mental illness; personality disorder; or learning disability, however caused or manifested.”
List the conditions/factors that are not considered to be mentally disordered as per S.328(2) MH(C&T)(S)A2003
Not mentally disordered;
- sexual orientation
- sexual deviancy
- trans-sexualism
- transvestism
- dependence on, or use of, alcohol or drugs
- behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any other person
- by acting as no prudent person would act
Define a place of safety.
“A hospital, premises which are used to provide a care home service or any other suitable place (other than a police station) where the occupier is willing to temporarily receive a person with mental disorder.”
Responsibilities of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland?
- Monitoring and promoting best practice in the use of mental health legislation.
- Visiting individuals who are receiving compulsory treatment.
- Conducting investigations and inquiries into deficiencies in care and treatment.
- Providing advice and information to professionals and service users.
- Challenging policy makers and service providers.
Who can apply for a Compulsory Treatment Order (CTO)?
A Mental Health Officer (MHO)
Explain Compulsory Treatment Orders
Generally used to facilitate treatment of a mental disorder over a long period of time. They may stipulate that a person:-
- is detained in hospital; or
- is kept in the charge of an authorised person; or
- reside at a specified place; or
- obtain the approval of a mental health officer prior to changing address
What happens if a person fails to comply with the terms of a Compulsory Treatment Order?
They can be taken into custody by an MHO, a Constable, or a member of staff from the hospital or establishment.
If an absconding compulsory patient is traced to a private dwelling and entry is refused, what are the police powers in terms of entry?
No entry without warrant, exception of common law powers (DISC)
Explain Section 282 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
Provides that an authorised person (Mental Health Officer or other health professional) may obtain a warrant authorising power of entry, opening of a lock-fast place to do so, and to take or retake a patient to a place they should be. (Sheriff or JoP)
Explain Removal Orders in relation to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
S.293: MHO can apply for removal order, allowing removal of a person with a mental disorder to a place of safety. Allows for continued detention for a period not exceeding 7 days.
A sheriff will authorise the order to be expected within 72 hours.
S.294: similar removal order, used where urgent application to JoP is necessary as application to Sheriff would be impracticable and such a delay would be detrimental to the person.
Explain the Section 35 (Mental Health 2003) warrant.
16 years or over, mental disorder, suffering ill-treatment or neglect or living alone or without care, and unable to look after themselves - Sheriff or JoP can grant warrant to enter premises.
Can be detained for no more than 3 hours - medical assessment.
Warrant must be executed within 8 days.
Does not give powers to detain or remove.
Explain S.297 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
A police officer may remove a person to a place of safety if;
- they reasonably suspect that a person in a public place has a mental disorder; and
- that person is in need of immediate care or treatment; and
- that it is considered to be in the interest of that person or necessary for the protection of any other person to remove the person to a place of safety.
As per S.298, the information of the removal used under S.297 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 must be shared with who?
- Local Authority
- Nearest relative
- Mental Welfare Commission
In what scenarios would the removal of a person suspected of having a mental disorder in a private place be lawful?
- leaves on a voluntary basis
- committed a crime or offence
- immediate risk to life
- removal order (S.293/294)
If entry is refused to a private place where a person is suspected of having a mental disorder, what are the scenarios where forced entry is authorised?
- S.35 Warrant
- S.292 Warrant
- S.293/294 Removal Order
- Common Law Powers
- Sections refer to Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
