41. Mr. B. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures have been laid down for enabling hospitals to be notified by a court of petty sessions that arrangements have been made for admission to a mental hospital under the Mental Health Act 1959.
§ Mr. BrookeBefore ordering an offender's detention in hospital under Section 60 or 61 of the Mental Health Act, magistrates' courts are required by Section 60(3) of the Act to be satisfied that arrangements have been made for the hospital to admit him within 28 days of the order. It is the responsibility of one of the two doctors reporting to the court to ascertain from the hospital beforehand that a bed is available and to inform the court accordingly. If the court decides to make an order, a copy is sent to the hospital concerned, together with such information about the case as the court thinks likely to be of assistance.