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Not only has there been an increase in detention under the Mental Health Act over recent years, as demonstrated by Wall et al (1), but also there has been an increase in the number of secure beds as the number of other adult psychiatric beds has fallen. (See figure and more generally The Mental Health Policy website).
(1) Wall S, Hotopf M, Wessely S, Churchill R. Trends in the use of the Mental Health Act: England, 1984-96. BMJ 1999;318:1520-1521
Competing interests:
No competing interests
05 June 1999
D B Double
Consultant Psychiatrist
Norfolk Mental Health Care NHS Trust, 80 St Stephens Rd, Norwich
Increase in secure provision as well as increase in detention under Mental Health Act
Not only has there been an increase in detention under the Mental Health Act over recent years, as demonstrated by Wall et al (1), but also there has been an increase in the number of secure beds as the number of other adult psychiatric beds has fallen. (See figure and more generally The Mental Health Policy website).
(1) Wall S, Hotopf M, Wessely S, Churchill R. Trends in the use of the Mental Health Act: England, 1984-96. BMJ 1999;318:1520-1521
Competing interests: No competing interests