Mental Health Act (1983) amended to include age-related environment duty

The Mental Health Act 1983 has been amended to include an age-related environment duty.  Set out in section 131A, the amendment requires hospital managers to ensure that “the patient’s environment in the hospital is suitable, having regard to his age (subject to his needs)”. 

The new clause applies to all patients under the age of 18, whether they are admitted under MHA 1983, or admitted to hospital informally.  Effective from April 1 2010, the change underpins the government’s commitment to ensure that no one under the age of 18 should be admitted to an adult psychiatric ward. 

Click here to read the proposed amendments in full.