Dementia, ‘sectioning’ and The Mental Health Act 1983 – Alzheimer’s Society podcast October 2015
This Alzheimer’s Society podcast looks at what is known as ‘sectioning’, or the process that happens when health professionals think that a person with dementia is behaving in a way that places their health at risk or is a danger to themselves or others – they can be detained in hospital under section 2 of the Mental Health Act so that they can be assessed. This process is often known as ‘sectioning’ or ‘being sectioned’ and is often a challenging time for the person with dementia and their families. As the term sectioning often has negative connotations in this podcast we will be referring to the process of placing someone under a section of the Mental Health Act.
In this edition of the podcast Hannah speaks to Helpline Adviser Emma about the Mental Health Act, guardianship and after-care services.
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Alzheimer’s Society is the leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers.
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The term ‘dementia’ is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.
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2 Comments
This was explained well. Some people may be detained on a section 3 without using a 2 which wasn't mentioned. Section 117 applies to all the treatment sections and not just 3. You said s117 was "kind of the responsibility" of health and council but it "is" their responsibility!
This is really well explained. Just a few minor inaccuracies (please forgive my pedantry!) – as mikeymarmelade states, a person can be detained straight onto a section 3 for treatment in some cases. This only applies when there is a well established treatment plan already in place. Also, you stated that the nearest relative must always be consulted before a section can be applied and that the nearest relative can stop the section going ahead. This is only the case for a section 3. If placing someone under a section 2, the nearest relative will be notified but has no power to stop the application going ahead. With regards to the 2 medical practitioners involved in the process, you stated that one of the doctors MUST be someone who knows the person. This is not strictly true. All efforts are made to involve a doctor who knows the person but in some circumstances it is not possible in the given time frame and 2 doctors without any prior acquaintance with the person will do the assessment. You also said that someone may want to be assigned as nearest relative – to clarify, there is no MAY, they ARE assigned, according to the list you outlined.