The mental health law team oversees and provides enhanced support with the application of mental health legislation across the Trust.

The team also represents the first point of contact to access legal advice for Trust-wide colleagues around queries related to the Mental Health Act.

The Mental Health Act is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health disorder (within the meaning of the act). If individuals need urgent treatment and are at risk of harm, then they can be detained and treated without their agreement under this act.