About the Mental Health Act

Introduction

The Mental Health Act 1983 is the law that allows you to be kept in hospital against your will for assessment or treatment of a mental health problem. You may be told you are "detained" under the Act or that you have been "sectioned". Not all sections are the same. The section you are on will mean different things to the section someone else is on. If you are not sure ask your nurse which section you are on.

Compulsory Admission to Hospital

Compulsory admission consists of parts 2 & 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983. Part 2 of the Act deals with patients who are detained in hospital but have no criminal proceedings against them. Part 3 of Act, known as the 'Forensic Sections', deals with patients who have been involved in criminal proceedings.

To find out more about the different types of section please click on the links below: