Report on the Review of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984

Executive Summary

OTHER MATTERS

Regulations, research and other issues

165. There should be a co-ordinated programme of statistical and other information gathering and of research relating to the new Mental Health Act.

166. The Scottish Executive should develop a strategy to ensure that all those who have to operate the new Mental Health Act are appropriately trained.

The State Hospital

167. The provisions in the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 in relation to the constitution of the State Hospital are no longer necessary and should be repealed.

Code of Practice

168. There should continue to be a Code of Practice for the Mental Health Act, which should be more extensive than the current Code.

169. The Code should operate as a guide to the Principles of the Act and their implications for care and treatment, and give advice on best practice to professionals and service providers. It should also provide a straightforward guide to the provisions of the Act.

170. The Scottish Executive should develop and implement a strategy to promote awareness of the Code amongst all those with an interest; and the Code should be updated on a regular basis with a full revision taking place at least every five years.

Implementation and monitoring of the new Act

171. An Implementation and Monitoring Group should be established to ensure that the Mental Health Act and any associated regulations and guidance is implemented in accordance with its underlying principles. The Group should represent user, carer, voluntary sector, service provider and professional interests.

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