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Patient is examined by RMO or Part II doctor prior to the end of the second 7 day period

The patient must be formally re-examined by the RMO or Part II doctor prior to the end of the second 7-day period. The purpose of this examination is to consider whether or not it is necessary to detain the patient for a period of treatment, following the expiry of the 14-day period of assessment. The criteria for detention for treatment therefore need to be considered.

What are the criteria for detention in hospital for treatment?

The criteria for detention in hospital for treatment are set out in Article 12 of the Order. A person can be detained for treatment if the examining doctor considers that the patient is:

  • Suffering from mental illness or severe mental impairment* of a nature or degree which warrants detention in hospital for medical treatment and
  • Failure to detain the patient would create a substantial likelihood of serious physical harm to the patient or to other persons.
  • * Severe mental impairment is defined as a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning and is associated with abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct on the part of the person concerned.