Who is this service for?
Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs) work with people who are defined as ‘qualifying patients’ under the Mental Health Act (1983). This includes people who are:
- Detained for compulsory treatment under the Mental Health Act (sometimes known as someone ‘on a section’). Not including short term holds.
- Subject to a Community Treatment Order (CTO) or Guardianship
- A conditionally discharged restricted patient (CDRP)
- ‘Informal’ patients on a mental health ward who are either:
(a) Being considered for treatment to which Section 57 applies. (e.g. neurosurgery for mental disorder, surgical implantation of hormones to decrease male sex drive), or
(b) Under 18 and being considered for electro-convulsive therapy or any other treatment to which Section 58a applies.
Who can refer?
· Anyone can refer a ‘qualifying patient’ for IMHA. At Gaddum we work with anyone in a Manchester hospital or resident in Manchester. Mental health staff have a duty to ensure everyone eligible can access IMHA services