15 October 2009
Response to NHS Information Centre report on Community Treatment Orders
In response to a report released today showing that there has been a significant increase in the use of compulsory powers under the Mental Health Act since the introduction of Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) in November 2008,
Simon Lawton Smith, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“In March 2008 there were 15,200 people compulsorily detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act. In March 2009 there were 500 more people detained in hospital (15,700) alongside an additional 1,755 under a CTO – meaning there were 2,255 more patients under compulsion than a year before.
“This increase in the use of compulsion is very worrying and runs contrary to the stated aim of the Government which is to give people more choice and control over their health care.
“We always anticipated that there would be a year on year increase and that numbers of people under a CTO might rise to as many as 13,000 in 10-15 years’ time. However, we assumed there would be an equivalent reduction in in-patient numbers but that is clearly not the case at the moment.
“It certainly torpedoes the Department of Health’s expectation that CTOs will lead to potential savings through a reduction in bed use, with savings being invested elsewhere.”
Simon Lawton Smith added:
“We also know that a shortage of Second Opinion Approved Doctors (SOADs), who are needed to authorise continued treatment of patients on CTOs after the first 28 days, means that there is a risk that some patients are being compulsorily treated when there is no legal power to do so.
“It is too early to reach any firm conclusion about the merits of CTOs in terms of improving patients’ lives as the data does not go into the quality of care being provided or its impact. CTOs may offer a less restrictive alternative to compulsory detention and treatment in hospital for some people who have a history of frequent admissions to hospital, and help them to live independently and engage better with their communities. But more research is needed into whether this is actually the case.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
For more information call the Mental Health Foundation press office on 020 7803 1128/30.
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services. Registered Charity No: (England & Wales) 801130: (Scotland) SC 039714.
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