Baroness Merron introduced the Mental Health Bill, aimed at amending the Mental Health Act (1983), into the House of Lords. The proposals in the draft Bill were informed by the four key principles developed by the Independent Review and in partnership with people with lived experience of detention:
- Choice and autonomy – involving patients in decision making, and considering their past and present wishes and feelings.
- Least restriction – minimising restrictions on liberty so far as consistent with patient wellbeing and safety, and public safety.
- Therapeutic benefit – ensuring patients receive effective and appropriate treatment.
- The person as an individual – treating patients with dignity and respect, and considering their beliefs, values, past experiences and wider needs.
A second reading, which is the start of parliamentary discussion about a Bill, will take place on the 25 of November 2024.
An easy read version of the Bill can be found here. And a fact sheet containing background information on the measures in the Bill can be accessed here.
