Second Opinion Appointed Doctors (SOADs)
Request a second opinion, become a SOAD, and download guidance for SOADs and service providers.
About the SOAD service
The SOAD service safeguards the rights of patients detained under the Mental Health Act who either refuse the treatment prescribed to them or are deemed incapable of consenting.
The role of the SOAD is to decide whether the treatment recommended is clinically defensible and whether due consideration has been given to the views and rights of the patient.
The SOAD is an independent consultant psychiatrist appointed by the Care Quality Commission, and only becomes a SOAD when appointed to an individual second opinion.
We are responsible for the appointment of SOADs and manage the SOAD service. We receive around 12,000 requests for second opinions every year.
Request a second opinion
To request a second opinion under the Mental Health Act, you must submit a form to the Care Quality Commission. Incomplete forms may be returned or may result in delays in appointing SOADs.
CQC second opinion request form for non SCT patients (opens in new window)
CQC second opinion request form for SCT patients only (opens in new window)
Apply to become a SOAD
We are seeking experienced consultant psychiatrists to join our panel of second opinion appointed doctors (SOAD).
We are looking for consultants of at least five years' standing who are committed to improving services and safeguarding the rights of detained patients.
Download details about the role of the second opinion appointed doctor and application form. All submitted application forms must be in your own handwriting.
SOAD background information pack (Word, 550 KB, opens in new window)
SOAD application form (Word, 550 KB, opens in new window)
Equal opportunities monitoring form (Word, 550 KB, opens in new window)
Please note the new address from 19 October 2009 for returning the forms on this page:
Care Quality Commission
The Belgrave Centre
Stanley Place
Talbot Street
Nottingham, NG1 5GG
Tel: 0115 8736250
For further information or to receive a printed version of the application pack please email Kate.Doohan@cqc.org.uk .
Health Inspectorate Wales are recruiting staff to provide similar support functions in Wales:
- Visit the Health Inspectorate Wales website (opens in new window)
