In 2021, Ms B was admitted to hospital and detained there under the Mental Health Act. She complained that her detention was not merited as her condition on discharge, after only a few days, was the same as on admission. She made a number of complaints, including that the hospital failed to inform her of her rights under the Mental Health Act, and failed to provide or implement a treatment plan during her detention.
The complaints were not upheld. The Ombudsman concluded that a reasonable basis was set out for Ms B’s detention, and that she was appropriately assessed. The approach to her care was properly documented with a clear and reasonable rationale. Ms B was regularly reviewed by an appropriate clinician. Improvement was noted during her admission and the decision to discharge her was made following assessment which concluded that detention was no longer needed. The Ombudsman also concluded that Ms B had been informed of her rights.