Mental health act

Admissions to hospital

Most people who receive treatment in hospitals or psychiatric units for mental health conditions are there voluntarily and have the same rights as people receiving treatment for physical illnesses.

However, a small number of patients may need to be compulsorily detained under a section of the Mental Health Act (1983). This law explains who is involved in the decision about compulsory admission or detention, and the individual’s or their nearest relative’s right of appeal.

We very much hope that patients, carers, voluntary organisations and health services find them useful.

Mental Health Act information

Easy Read - Mental Health Act

Mental Health Act - Easy Read information

The Mental Health Act is an UK law.

This law tells people with a mental health difficulty or a mental health disorder about what their rights are, and how they should be treated.

It is important that you know your rights.

The term mental health disorder described people who have:

  • a mental illness
  • a personality disorder
  • a learning disability.

The NHS website has some Easy Read information about the Mental Health Act. 

 

You can download the Code of Practice plain English glossary. 

Mental Health Act - British Sign Language

Mental Health Act - British Sign Language

The Mental Health Act (1983) set outs how people in the UK can expect to be treated and what their rights are when they are being assessed and treated with a mental health disorder. 

 

You can download the Code of Practice plain English glossary.

 

Mental Health Act - Other languages

Mental Health Act - Other Languages

The Mental Health Act (1983) set outs how people in the UK can expect to be treated and what their rights are when they are being assessed and treated with a mental health disorder. 

If you need to access this information in alternative languages please visit the East London NHS Foundation Trust website, where they have leaflets in the following languages:

If you require this information in an alternative leaflet please contact the PALS team here: www.nhft.nhs.uk/pals 

You can download the Code of Practice plain English glossary.

 

Video translations:

Languages A - L

Languages M - Z