What is an IMHA?

Their primary role is to ensure that patients understand their rights and can effectively participate in decisions made about their care and treatment.

IMHAs operate independently from mental health services, ensuring they can advocate without any conflicts of interest. Their services are free for the individuals they support.

Roles and Responsibilities of an IMHA

IMHAs play a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights of individuals under the Mental Health Act. Some of their key responsibilities include:

• Providing information and support to individuals about their rights under the Mental Health Act.
• Helping individuals understand medical treatments proposed or administered.
• Supporting individuals to voice their opinions or concerns about their care and treatment.
• Representing or speaking on behalf of individuals if they lack the capacity or confidence to do so.
• Facilitating communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Eligibility for IMHA Support

Not everyone is eligible for IMHA support. Typically, those who qualify include:

• Individuals detained under the Mental Health Act (even if they are on temporary leave from the hospital).
• Patients under guardianship or subject to community treatment orders (CTOs)
• Patients being treated in a hospital on a voluntary basis but are considering serious medical treatment for their mental disorder.

Interacting with an IMHA

Engaging with an IMHA offers several benefits:

• Confidentiality: Conversations with IMHAs are confidential, and information is only shared with explicit consent, unless there's a risk of harm.
• Autonomy: IMHAs respect the decisions and wishes of the individuals they support, even if they don’t agree with them.
• Accessibility: IMHAs usually operate within healthcare settings, making them easily accessible to patients.
• Expertise: IMHAs are trained professionals with comprehensive knowledge of mental health rights and the intricacies of the Mental Health Act.

Seeking Support from an IMHA

If you or a loved one needs the support of an IMHA:

• You can directly approach an IMHA service. Hospitals usually have details about local IMHA services available.
• Healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, or social workers, can make a referral or provide contact details.
• Family members or carers can also request IMHA support on behalf of a patient, with their consent.

Importance of IMHA in the Care Journey

IMHAs play a crucial role in ensuring that patients' rights are respected and that they receive appropriate care. Their advocacy ensures a more person-centred approach to mental health care, emphasizing the importance of individual voices in treatment decisions. By providing support, information, and representation, IMHAs empower patients, fostering a more transparent and collaborative healthcare environment.