Psychiatric Bulletin (2005) 29: 393. doi: 10.1192/pb.29.10.393
© 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Bulletin (2005) 29: 393
© 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Draft Mental Health Bill in England
Martin Gee, Consultant Adult Psychiatrist
Ashcombe Centre, Wall Lane Terrace, Cheddleton, Staffordshire ST13
7ED
Dr Madens commentary on...The Draft Mental Health Bill in
England: without principles (Psychiatric Bulletin, July 2005,
29, 250-251) is dismissive of liberal hysteria and
suggests that therapeutic intent is a peripheral issue to use of mental health
law. The perspective of someone viewing the issues from a tertiary service
probably explains the failure to understand the ramifications that the
proposed Bill will have on the population as a whole. The ability of general
adult services to select in-patients on the basis of need or evidence of
effectiveness would be paralysed. General psychiatric hospitals will return to
the dark days of having a primary social control function. Apart from the
ethical considerations of using a hospital as a prison, does anyone really
believe this legislation will lead to better protection of the public? We are
looking in the wrong legislative direction for solutions to this.
Dr Madens commentary concludes by suggesting that our current mental
health legislation is among the best and most liberal in the world in the way
in which it deals with offenders with mental illness. Why on earth, then, are
we proposing to change it?