Under the 2007 Mental Health Act, there is a legal duty to provide Independent Mental Health advocates (IMHA) for qualifying patients.
IMHA’s are trained to work with those subject to the Mental Health Act.
Who qualifies for an IMHA?
- If you are being treated under the mental health act (MHA)
- Conditionally discharged restricted patients
- Subject to guardianship
- Supervised community treatment patients
- Under the age of 18 and being considered for a section 58A treatment such as electro-convulsive therapy
What can an IMHA do?
An IMHA will help patients to obtain and understand information about:
- What the law says
- Any conditions or restrictions that apply
- Your rights and how to exercise those rights
- Medical Treatments
- Rights of nearest relative
- Help, Support and representation