Your Rights and Mental Health

Empower yourself with knowledge about your rights as a person with mental health concerns.

Consent to Treatment

It's crucial to know that you have the right to consent or decline any medical treatment. Your healthcare provider must inform you about the benefits, risks, and alternatives before you make a decision.

Exception: Sectioning

However, there are circumstances where your right to consent may be overridden, such as being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. In these cases, treatment may be administered without your explicit consent for your own safety or the safety of others.

Confidentiality

Your mental health records are confidential. Healthcare providers can only share this information with your explicit consent or if there's a legal requirement to do so.

Exceptions

There are specific circumstances where confidentiality may be breached:

• Immediate Risk : If you are at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, healthcare providers may share information to ensure safety.
• Legal Obligations : In cases of legal investigations or proceedings, your records may be disclosed as required by law.
• Child Protection : If there are concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, confidentiality may be overridden.

Privacy

You have the right to privacy when receiving treatment for mental health issues. This includes the right to private consultations and secure storage of your medical records.

Exceptions:

There are certain situations where your right to privacy may be limited:

• Medical Emergencies : In urgent situations, healthcare providers may need to bypass standard privacy protocols to provide immediate care.
• Legal Requirements : In some cases, such as legal investigations or court orders, your medical records may be disclosed.
• Risk to Public Health : If you pose a risk of spreading a contagious disease, some privacy rights may be suspended to protect public health.
• Team-Based Care : Your healthcare team may need to discuss your case among themselves to provide the best possible care.

Raising Concerns or Complaints

If you're unsatisfied with the quality of care you've received, you have the right to raise concerns or file a complaint. This can usually be done through the healthcare provider's official complaints procedure.

Additional Resources

• Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS): If you're in England, PALS can offer support and advice during your hospital stay.
• Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC): If you're unhappy with how the police handled your case, you can file a complaint here.
• Civil Legal Advice (CLA): Check if you're eligible for legal aid and get free, confidential advice.