Using the Mental Health Act
The Mental Health Act (section 13, paragraph 4) gives the nearest relative of someone who is mentally ill the right to insist that an approved mental health professional (AMHP) interviews the person to assess whether they need to be admitted to hospital for further assessment or treatment.
The nearest relative is determined by a formula set out in the Act,usually the spouse/same sex partner or older parent or oldest brother or sister).
Mental Health Act
If the AMHP and two doctors agree that admission is necessary, then the person can be 'sectioned' and taken to hospital and admitted without their consent. The police will often be called when someone is sectioned. This is to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Most people would only use this as a last resort.
It could have a negative effect on your future relationship with your relative. However, under certain circumstances it may be the best thing to do and ultimately help your relative. If the AMHP decides that admission to hospital is not necessary, s/he must state what other forms of support will be made available.
This right to assessment can be used several times if necessary.
