Independent Mental Health Advocates
From April 2009, statutory access to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) will be available to patients subject to certain aspects of the Mental Health Act 1983.
IMHAs are an important new safeguard that will help and support patients to understand and exercise their legal rights. IMHAs will be available to most detained patients as well as patients on supervised community treatment or guardianship. Other patients whose treatment is subject to the special safeguards provided by the Act, will also be eligible for the services of IMHAs.
The Minister for Social Care Phil Hope, has made a written ministerial statement on commissioning and funding arrangements for Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs). Under the regulations, Primary Care Trusts will be responsible for commissioning IMHA services for patients subject to the Mental Health Act 1983. IMHA services are to be available nationally from 1 April 2009.
Download the written ministerial statement from the Department of Health website.
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