Medical treatment on section 5’2

[Tellmelies65]

I’ve just had a call from my nephew about my sister. She’s in a&e currently and has attempted to leave with having they treatment she needs. They have put her on a section 5’2. Will this mean she will have to have the treatment?

(2)If, in the case of a patient who is an in-patient in a hospital, it appears to the registered medical practitioner [F1or approved clinician] in charge of the treatment of the patient that an application ought to be made under this Part of this Act for the admission of the patient to hospital, he may furnish to the managers a report in writing to that effect; and in any such case the patient may be detained in the hospital for a period of 72 hours from the time when the report is so furnished.

They are keeping her in hospital under the Mental Health Act - up to 72 hours. Is she mentally ill? A danger to herself or others? It tends to be used in cases where people are very ill. It is quite draconian so the situation must be very grave.

She has long standing mental health for many years. She’s had inpatient treatment a number of times.

I’m sorry to hear that. It must be very distressing for her, her son and you all. I hope she gets good treatment and better soon

She will need to move from A&E to an area that is considered a ward or CDU. It depends on what treatment she requires which
legislation is utilized, if she has overdosed on paracetamol for example and needs the antidote paroled they will likely utilize the mental capacity act to treat whilst progressing the section 5/2 to a full mental health act assessment.

Paroled means parvolex!

well actually technically she cant be placed on a 5.2 in a&e as it doesn't count as inpatient ward, but that aside what will happen next is a full mental health act assessment to determine if she should be detained under section 2 or 3 of the mental health act. In the meantime the 5.2 will stop her from leaving the ward although does not allow treatment against her will (a s2 or 3 would) but as said above if treatment is time critical and cant wait for the MHA then it will likely be started under the mental capacity act.
Try not to worry. This is all being done in her best interests and also to safegaurd her rights. (it isnt at all draconian as stated above and quite commonly used when a person has mental health difficulties and lacks the capacity to make decisions for themsleves at that point in time) Sounds like she is in the best place for her right now and will be getting the treatment she needs