The Order (Article 6) states that the medical recommendation for admission for assessment should be given, if practicable, by the patient's own GP. If this is not possible a medical practitioner who has previous acquaintance with the patient can make the recommendation.

A doctor on the staff of the general hospital can make the medical recommendation but should do so only where the attendance of the person's own general practitioner or another medical practitioner with previous acquaintance with the patient is not practicable.

The Code states that the Order does not prohibit a doctor on the staff of another hospital from making the medical recommendation, but it is preferable for this to be done by the patient's own GP, or by another practitioner who has previous knowledge of the patient. Article 6 (b).

A doctor on the staff of the hospital in which it is intended the assessment should be carried out cannot give the recommendation except in a case of urgent necessity. Article 6 (c). This same rule should apply if the patient is medically unfit for discharge and there is therefore a possibility that he will be detained for assessment in the general hospital.

Therefore all attempts should be made by hospital nursing and medical staff involved to ensure that the patient's own GP is requested to attend the hospital to consider and if necessary complete the medical recommendation or to make alternative arrangements.

Any doctor, who is not the person's GP and who is examining the person with a view to making a medical recommendation should make all efforts to consult with the GP or access the person's relevant medical records.

In this circumstance the assistance of a medical practitioner should be sought through local emergency primary care arrangements.