What do our Mental Health Act commissioners do?
One of our important roles as a regulator is to ensure the powers of the Mental Health Act are properly used. We do this through the work of our Mental Health Act Commissioners.
Mental Health Act Commissioners come from a variety of professional backgrounds – from doctors to lawyers – with knowledge of the Mental Health Act and mental health services.
They visit patients detained in hospital and meet with them in private to find our about their experiences. They are independent of the mental health care provider. Where requested, they can also meet patients who are on a community treatment order.
A Mental Health Act commissioner's story
One of our commissioners explains how we protect people whose rights are restricted.
Read Steven's story about being a Mental Health Act commissioner
What Mental Health Act Commissioners can do
- Listen to your issues
- Raise problems with ward managers
- Help patients write letters or complain
- Check paperwork
- Publish reports on wards
What Mental Health Act Commissioners can’t do
- Discharge patients
- Arrange patient transfers
- Offer medical advice
- Give legal advice
- Arrange leave for patients
Acting Together visits
Some visits are carried out jointly by a commissioner and a user of mental health services. These are known as Acting Together visits.
