Case review rights for psychiatric patients

Patients admitted against their will to psychiatric hospitals can have their cases independently reviewed from today.

Under the Mental Health Act, a Mental Health Tribunal can automatically adjudicate on people who are involuntarily committed to institutions.

The involuntary admission of patients had been governed by 1945 legislation up to now.

The Minister for Health Mary Harney said of the Act: “This represents a major step forward in the development of our mental health services.

“The introduction of mental health tribunals to review all involuntary admissions represents an important step in the protection of the interests of people who suffer from mental disorders.”

The Irish College of Psychiatrists (ICP) said the legislation could contribute to the positive development of the state’s mental health service.

However, ICP chairperson Dr Kate Ganter said she was concerned that resources were not in place to fully implement legislation.

“Lack of funding and the political will have been major issues for our mental health services. While some increases have been hard won they are arriving too late and so we are ill-prepared for the implementation of the Act,” she said.

“The Mental Health Act is necessary and important. All of partners knew there would be cost implications if this visionary legislation were to become a reality for service users their families and carers. We live in one of the wealthiest societies on the planet so there is no excuse for not funding services required for some our most vulnerable citizens.”