Compulsory Admission to Hospital: An Operational Review of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1960

Abstract

SummaryThe working of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1960 is examined by analysis of compulsory admissions both nationally and to one Glasgow hospital. Comparisons are drawn with England and Wales. Despite a six-fold increase in admissions since 1945 the use of compulsory powers has remained almost constant. It is suggested that an annual number of 45 compulsory admissions per 100,000 population may represent an inevitable basic level as foreseen by the Royal Commission in 1957. Section 31 (‘Emergency Recommendation’) secures 80 per cent of Part IV admissions, and Section 24 (‘Full Recommendation’) is employed in only 25 per cent. Part V accounts for only 300 admissions per annum, mostly remands for psychiatric report. Two suggestions are made for possible future amendments to the Act.