Bolton Law Society backs reform as hundreds sectioned

Figures provided by NHS Digital show at least 390 detentions were carried out across the former NHS Bolton CCG area in 2021/22.

That means that 135 people per 100,000 were sectioned over the year.

That rate was much higher than the averages for Greater Manchester and nationally, which saw rates of 118 people per 100,000 and 93 people per 100,000 detained respectively.

In most cases when people are treated in hospital or another mental health facility they have agreed or volunteered to be there.

But when someone is sectioned under the Mental Health Act they are treated without their agreement.

In order to be detained a person must be deemed to need urgent treatment for a mental health disorder and are at risk of causing harm to themselves or others.

There are plans to reform the current Act, as critics say that the current legislation means that detentions are happening more frequently than necessary.

The plans would give those who have been sectioned more of agency over their care, giving them more of a say on their treatment such as the medication that they are given.

Anita Boardman, president of the Bolton Law Society and managing director AFG Law (Image: AFG Law)

President of the Bolton Law Society Anita Boardman said: “As a local law society we would welcome the reform to the current Mental Health Act. It would mean that the number of people in the statistics in Bolton would be dealt with in a far different way.

“Any reforms that bring about a reduction in the level of detentions and for those individuals to be more involved at an earlier stage in their care has to be a good thing.”

The figures actually represent a decline in cases of sectioning year-on-year nationally.

A spokesperson for the Department for Health and Social Care said the decrease in detentions is a "testament to the positive steps" it has taken to support people with serious mental health issues.

They added: “Our draft Mental Health Bill is currently going through pre-legislative scrutiny with proposals to ensure anyone in a mental health crisis is treated with dignity and respect and given greater control over their treatment."

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership - which covers Bolton - was approached for comment.

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