P02-74 - A critical review of patients under section 5(2) of the mental health act

Abstract

Patients who suffer from mental illness, and are a risk to themselves, to other people or at risk of self neglect. Such patients can be detained under section 5(2), if they are already admitted to hospital and express their wish to leave against medical advice.44 patients were identified. 40% were men, 65% above the age of 50 years, 52% were sectioned after hours or at the weekends. Measures to persuade patients to stay as an informal patient were taken in 16%. 55% were sectioned by the on call doctor.68.5 % exhibited threatening behaviour.30% had self neglect, 13% were a risk to others, 26% had a deliberate self harm risk.60% had moderate to severe suicidal risk and ideation.68% didn’t have mental health capacity to give consent for admission.60% had been assessed in the first 24 hours of their section.60% were converted to section 2,3 of the Mental Health Act.25% stayed as informal patients and 7% were discharged.Female patients were more, which was against expectation. Older people were more which was again against expectation. Majority of patients were a risk to themselves and only 13% were a risk to other people. Nearly two third were assessed within 24hrs from the section which was something we commend our services on. 60% needed to be transferred to different sections which indicates that 40% of the sample could have been managed more efficiently, in a way which had not warranted the use of section 5(2).