The Mental Health Act Commission: medical members

Extract

The paper by Curran & Bingley (Psychiatric Bulletin, 1994, 18, 328–332) is most clear and helpful. While much is written in our Bulletin about the operation of the Act, little is written about the Commission itself. The Commission visits most of us far more frequently than does the College and makes much wider and more critical comments on our services. The account given, quite properly, gives little discussion to the role of the medical member. Many psychiatrists are or have been members of the Commission – currently 16 out of a total membership of 90. One year after completing a four year stint some very personal and subjective views may be of interest to colleagues about to be proposed, or propositioned, for membership of the Commission.