Why changes to the Mental Health Act could harm Sheffield and beyond

Emergency legislation has been announced by the government over fears that the coronavirus pandemic will reduce the number of mental health professionals available to help those in need of mental health support.

The action has been proposed to ensure the safety, care and treatment of individuals with mental health problems, but representatives from mental health charities and other unions have concerns that those in a vulnerable position may be left in an even more vulnerable position and ‘forgotten’.

Vicki Nash, head of policy and campaigns at Mind, said: “The Government’s emergency coronavirus laws include measures that could severely impact the rights of people with mental health problems detained for hospital treatment.”

She explained how the legislation will be in place for up to two years and each of the UK governments has the power to influence.

Although steps may be necessary to cope with extreme staff shortages, Vicki believes it should not ‘be at the expense of safeguarding some of the most vulnerable people in our society’.

She added: “The last thing we want to see is people left languishing in hospital without regular reviews of why they’re there or proper representation and advice, particularly amidst such high demand on hospital beds.

“We will closely follow the introduction and effects of these measures and make sure that the voices, rights and choices of people with mental health problems are not forgotten.”

Changes to the Mental Health Act include a reduction in the number of doctors needed for detention under the Act - under normal circumstances this is three but on escalation of the coronavirus crisis, it has been argued that being assessed by another doctor would take too long.

Other changes include people being able to be remanded in hospital for longer and increased police powers.

Emergency measures will not happen immediately but are in preparation of the coronavirus crisis worsening, for example if staff numbers are significantly reduced.

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