§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent to which the requirement for hospital admission of people made subject to compulsory treatment orders under the Mental Health Act 1983 has restricted the number of such orders made. [114741]
§ Jacqui SmithNo such assessment has been made. The Mental Health Act 1983 provides that people may be detained in hospital where the nature or degree of the mental disorder warrants it.
Proposals under the Mental Health Bill would break the automatic link between using the powers and admission to hospital. Treatment in the community would provide a positive alternative for those patients who do not need to be detained in hospital and an opportunity to minimise the disruption to their lives. While the new legislation will lead to some change in the group of people treated, overall it is not the intention that more people will be subject to compulsion under the Bill. Investment under the NHS Plan and service improvements under the national service framework for mental health, such as assertive outreach, crisis resolution and early intervention, will help to provide more effective care and ensure that fewer people become so ill that they need compulsory treatment.