In 2013-14, 73% of section 136 detentions saw the person taken to an NHS place of safety, such as a hospital, while 17% involved detentions in police custody.
Section 136 allows the police to detain a person who is in a public place to a place of safety, ideally a hospital, for the safety of the person or others.
The government has pledged to cut the use of police cells for mentally unwell people by 50% by the end of this financial year.
A drop in detention at police cells coincides with a rise 5% in detentions in hospitals in last year.
Detentions in non-NHS hospitals also rose by 21% due to a shortage of beds in NHS mental health units.
Swain & Co Solicitors LLP work tirelessly to assist vulnerable people and ensure that their rights under the Mental Health Act are observed. If you, or a family member or friend, are experiencing problems or are detained under the Mental Health Act contact our team today on:-
Southampton: 02380 631111
Portsmouth/Havant: 02392 483322
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