Doctor completes Form 7. Person is now detained for assessment.
If the person is considered to meet the criteria for admission for assessment, the admitting doctor must complete Form 7 accordingly. This must include a clinical description of the patient's mental condition which justifies the detention. The doctor should advise the person of this decision. Nursing staff should provide this information in both verbal & written form and shall take account of any communication difficulties that might exist. This information may need to be relayed on a number of occasions to ensure that it is sufficiently understood. Advisory services may also provide support. The person must also be advised of his rights including the right to appeal to a Mental Health Review Tribunal. LINK TO FORM 7
Are there any particular considerations that should be made in relation to a child or young person?
However the Code states that it is always preferable for children and young people admitted to hospital to be accommodated with others of their own age group in children's wards or adolescent units, separate from adults.
The Department has issued guidance to Trusts on how best to meet the needs of children and young people who require in-patient assessment and if necessary treatment in relation to mental disorder in those exceptional circumstances where no appropriate children's placement is available.
LINK TO Under 18 Year Olds in Adult Mental Health Facilities (Letter)and Under 18 Year Olds in Adult Learning Disability Facilities (Hsc (Mhdp) 01/2008
The Regional Health and Social Care Board has also directed (August 2010) that the admission of an under 18 year old to an adult mental health or learning disability facility be considered as as "untoward event". Staff should follow Trust Guidance in relation to the process which should be followed when this occurs.
RQIA closely monitor and review the in-patient assessment, treatment and care of children and young people in psychiatric and learning disability facilities. Link RQIA Independent Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Northern Ireland. February 2011