Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2011/12: Summary

What we found:

Some hospitals and wards are doing a very good job in treating patients with dignity and respect. The report highlights good practice, for the first time naming the relevant providers in order that they may share good practice and learning.
CQC found some overall improvement but most of the concerns highlighted in previous reports remain, particularly in respect of care planning, patient involvement and consent to treatment. For example, 37% of care plans checked by CQC showed no evidence of patients’ views; there was no evidence that patients had been informed of their legal right to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) in 21% of records reviewed; almost half (45%) of patient records reviewed still showed no evidence of consent to treatment discussions before the first administration of medication to a detained patient
There is a significant gap between the realities CQC is observing in practice and the ambitions of the national mental health policy – No Health without Mental Health. CQC is concerned that cultures may persist where control and containment are prioritised over the treatment and support of individuals. In this kind of culture, ‘blanket rules’ can become institutionalised. On one in five visits, CQC expressed concern about the de facto detention of patients who were voluntary rather than compulsory patients.

Published : 31st January 2013

Publisher : Care Quality Commission [ More From This Publisher ]

Rights : Care Quality Commission

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