MENTAL-HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNALS - WHY THE DELAY

An examination of case notes and administrative records of patients appealing against detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 was conducted. Whereas appeals against section 2 were heard promptly, there were long delays between appeal and the tribunal hearing in section 3 appeals and even longer delays in appeals against detention under Part III of the Act (the forensic sections). Despite this, Part III patients were more likely to be discharged by the tribunal. The majority of social work and medical reports were provided within the statutory time limits. The main delay would appear, therefore, to lie within the mental health review tribunal (MHRT) office. It is imperative that the causes of such delays are clarified and action taken to reduce them.