§ 48. Mr. Concannonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will hold 77W an inquiry into the manhandling of patients by higher grade patients in mental hospitals.
§ Sir K. JosephHospital authorities are looking into allegations made in some recent newspaper articles about conditions in certain hospitals for mentally handicapped patients. I have asked to be kept informed.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if any patient who has been committed under the Mental Health Act 1959 has a right to refuse a specific form of treatment.
§ Sir K. JosephI am advised that, in the case of a patient detained for treatment under the Mental Health Act, any recognised form of treatment which is considered necessary for such disorder may lawfully be administered without the consent of the patient. Where, however, the patient is capable of understanding what is proposed, it is the normal practice to explain this to him and, if possible, to obtain his agreement.