Detention and sectioning

Under the Mental Health Act, vulnerable people can be detained in hospital if it is felt that this is necessary in order to protect their own health or the safety of others. If you, or a loved one, have been sectioned or are facing detention, it can be a distressing time. At QualitySolicitors we’re here to make the process easier by providing the advice and guidance you need.

Although we can’t prevent sectioning, we can help ease the stresses you may be facing by ensuring that you understand your legal rights and by explaining what is likely to happen next. There are certain steps that must be followed by the authorities when sectioning or detaining a patient against their will. We can ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process and if you wish to appeal against a detention or sectioning we can provide all the support and guidance you need.

If you, or a loved one, have been detained or are about to be sectioned, we can help you understand your legal rights. Call us on 08082747557 to speak to our expert mental health solicitors who will be able to answer all of your questions. We speak your language - not legal jargon - and our services are often free of charge for mental health patients so get in touch to see how we can help you.

Mental health and capacity

When difficult (and often painful) decisions need to be made, thankfully you can turn to an experienced mental health solicitors to clarify how a person’s mental health problems can be approached with sympathy, dignity and practicality.

Advance decisions for medical treatment

Making an advance decision about medical treatment avoids any misunderstanding on what your wishes are when you can no longer communicate them - QualitySolicitors can help you plan ahead.

Care after lost capacity

If you lose the ability to make decisions due to old age this can be difficult for relatives and loved ones. QualitySolicitors can help you plan ahead for a time when you can no longer share what you think.

Compulsory treatment

A compulsory treatment order (CTO) is used by healthcare professionals to ensure that mental health patients receive the treatment they need - even when they’re unable to make their own decisions.

Court of Protection

When people are unable to make their own decisions because of a mental illness, other people may be required to make decisions on their behalf. Sometimes there may be disagreements surrounding these decisions and that is where the Court of Protection can help.

Deprivation of liberty

As a society, we have a duty to protect vulnerable people. This means that sometimes mental health patients may be detained in a care home or hospital under the Mental Health Act, in order to safeguard their wellbeing. Because they have not chosen to be in the home - or may object to being there - the patient is said to have been ‘deprived of their liberty’.

Detention/sectioning

Lasting power of attorney

Whether you’d like to create a power of attorney to provide reassurance for the future, or you need to challenge an existing power of attorney, we can help. At QualitySolicitors we have in-depth knowledge of this specialist area and can answer any questions you may have.

Mental health aftercare

If you have received treatment as a mental health patient, you may need help and support getting your life back on track once your treatment ends. There are many services available free of charge to help mental health patients, their families and carers, from help with accommodation to advice on employment. At QualitySolicitors we can explain what’s available and ensure you get the support you need to build a safe and secure future.

Mental health review tribunals

There may be times when you disagree with the treatment which you, or a loved one, are receiving as a mental health patient. If this happens, you have the right to challenge the decisions at a mental health review tribunal. A tribunal gives you the opportunity to put forward your case and make your wishes known.

Have a question or need some help? Call us today on 0808 258 1345

Expert legal advice you can rely on,
get in touch today

By ticking the box and submitting this form, you confirm you have read and accept our terms & conditions and consent to the processing of your data in accordance with our privacy policy, including any special category data where relevant.

When you click ‘Get in touch’, you consent to providing all related details of your enquiry and that these details will be passed to a QualitySolicitors Partner Firm to get in contact. If you do not understand any items, please contact us.

Please let us know you are not a robot