Uses of the Mental Health Act: is the data fit for purpose?

Uses of the Mental Health Act: is the data fit for purpose? People generally seek health care services voluntarily. A singular exception is people with serious mental health problems who are assessed as posing a risk to themselves or others, and are compulsorily admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act. Given the necessary but exceptional powers under the Act to deprive people of their liberty and provide treatment without their consent, it is imperative that we understand how these powers are used. Yet, as a result of changes in the way data is collected, we do not have accurate figures on how often the Act is used. This is unacceptable. The King's Fund