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Limits to the value of mental health review tribunals for offender patients

Suggestions for reform

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Pamela J. Taylor ,
Emma Goldberg ,
Morven Leese ,
Martin Butwell  and
Alison Reed
Pamela J. Taylor*
Affiliation:
Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, London, and Broadmoor Hospital Authority
Emma Goldberg
Affiliation:
Broadmoor Hospital, Crowthorne, Berkshire
Morven Leese
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London
Martin Butwell
Affiliation:
Broadmoor Hospital, Crowthorne, Berkshire
Alison Reed
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham and Reaside Clinic, Birmingham
*
Professor Pamela J. Taylor, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

Reform of mental health legislation for England and Wales is due. MHRTs offer an important check in the balance between patient and public rights.

Aims

To study the quantity and outcome of MHRTs in special (high-security) hospitals.

Method

Data were extracted from the records of 1670 patients detained under mental illness or psychopathic disorder classifications in special hospitals during 1992.

Results

There were 661 MHRT hearings, mostly requested by patients. Forty-three (7%) discharges were ordered, often without key data about continuing care in the written evidence. There were 56 recommendations for transfer to lesser security. Correlates of MHRT discharge were: female gender, younger age (in women), a legal classification of psychopathic disorder and shorter length of stay. Conditional discharge did not necessarily mean departure from special hospital.

Conclusions

Special hospital MHRTs result in few changes in patient status. A probable need for improvement in the evidence put before an MHRT was found. Legislation reformers should consider an extension of MHRT powers to order transfer between levels of security.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 174 , Issue 2 , February 1999 , pp. 164 - 169
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest E.G. was funded by the former Special Hospitals' Service Authority and the Broadmoor Hospital Authority.

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