Displacement of the nearest relative under the Mental Health Act 1983.
A case of displacing the nearest relative under s.29 of the Mental Health Act 1983 is described. Difficulties in achieving displacement and some ethical dilemmas, particularly in an elderly couple married for nearly 50 years, are discussed. Improvements to the Mental Health Act to avoid delays in displacing the nearest relative and to ensure financial safeguards to the patient are suggested.
Shah
A
A
West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth.
D000368:Aged; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D004739:England; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence