A damning report by MPs today revealed a catalogue of problems in Britain's
mental health services.
The Commons health committee found that the 2007 Mental Health Act, drawn up
"to protect extremely vulnerable patients," was not working properly.
MPs said that its safeguards weren't effective, with laws designed to protect patients often ignored and psychiatric wards over capacity and under huge pressure.
And shockingly sectioning - forcing people into hospital - is being used to get patients a bed.
Furthermore, a system of treating patients in the community is not working.
Committee chairman Stephen Dorrell said deprivation of liberty safeguards (Dols) were brought in to protect vulnerable patients, such as those suffering with dementia or severe learning difficulties.
But he warned that it is commonplace for Dols to be ignored, leaving many people at heightened risk of abuse.
"The current approach to these vital safeguards is profoundly depressing and complacent," said Mr Dorrell, demanding the government look into the matter immediately.
"Nevertheless, we were shocked to learn that there is evidence that patients who need hospital treatment are being sectioned unnecessarily in order to access a bed.
"This represents a serious violation of patients' basic rights and it is never acceptable for patients to be subjected to compulsory detention unless it is clinically necessary."
He said the government should "urgently investigate the prevalence" of the practice.
The inquiry examined use of community treatment orders, intended to treat patients in the community partly to reduce pressure on beds.
While welcoming the policy, the committee found that the orders "have not worked as legislation intended," and were being used to save cash.
Patients have a right independent to advocacy, but the inquiry found that patients most needing advocacy were least likely to get it.
Morning Star
MPs said that its safeguards weren't effective, with laws designed to protect patients often ignored and psychiatric wards over capacity and under huge pressure.
And shockingly sectioning - forcing people into hospital - is being used to get patients a bed.
Furthermore, a system of treating patients in the community is not working.
Committee chairman Stephen Dorrell said deprivation of liberty safeguards (Dols) were brought in to protect vulnerable patients, such as those suffering with dementia or severe learning difficulties.
But he warned that it is commonplace for Dols to be ignored, leaving many people at heightened risk of abuse.
"The current approach to these vital safeguards is profoundly depressing and complacent," said Mr Dorrell, demanding the government look into the matter immediately.
"Nevertheless, we were shocked to learn that there is evidence that patients who need hospital treatment are being sectioned unnecessarily in order to access a bed.
"This represents a serious violation of patients' basic rights and it is never acceptable for patients to be subjected to compulsory detention unless it is clinically necessary."
He said the government should "urgently investigate the prevalence" of the practice.
The inquiry examined use of community treatment orders, intended to treat patients in the community partly to reduce pressure on beds.
While welcoming the policy, the committee found that the orders "have not worked as legislation intended," and were being used to save cash.
Patients have a right independent to advocacy, but the inquiry found that patients most needing advocacy were least likely to get it.
Morning Star
