IMHA
Downloads
The Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007) makes provision for statutory access to Independent Mental Health Advocate’s (IMHA’s) for patients subject to certain sections of the Mental Health Act 1983. IMHA’s are an important safeguard that will help and support patients to understand and exercise their legal and civil rights.
- Detained under most sections of the Mental Health Act (see “Guidance for Referrers” for further detail)
- Conditionally discharged restricted patients
- Subject to guardianship
- Subject to supervised community treatment
- Being considered for treatments to which section 57 applies
- Under 18 and being considered for ECT or other treatment under section 58.
The IMHA will assist patients in obtaining and understanding information on the following:
- Their rights under the Act
- The rights which other people have under the Act (for example, relatives)
- The parts of the Act that apply to them
- Any conditions or restrictions which they are subject to
- The reason for any medical treatment and an explanation of that treatment
IMHA’s are also able, where appropriate, to provide support and representation to qualifying patients
Referrals for an IMHA can be made by the following people:
The patient
The nearest relative
A Responsible Clinician (RC)
An Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)
Referrals can be made on-line or by fax. Qualifying patients can make self-referrals via the telephone, or in person if they wish.
To refer to an IMHA please click here to complete our online referral form
OR
Download the referral form, complete it and fax it to 01925 651 400
If you require further assistance please download our “Guidance for Referrers” or “Frequently Asked Questions” documents from the download list on the right. Alternatively please contact our IMHA Enquiry Helpline on 0844 800 2776
If you require assistance please download our Guidance for Referrers or Frequently Asked Questions documents from the download list to the right.
