Advocacy Services

Each hospital has an Independent Mental Health Advocate that visits patients on a regular basis, usually weekly. An Advocate is independent, they are not a member of the care team and they play no part in your treatment and care. The ways in which an Advocate can help you are outlined here:

An Advocate can help by:

  • Explaining and exercising your rights
  • Request a review of your section through access to a mental health tribunal
  • Understanding how to raise concerns about your experience and/or care in hospital
  • Helping you to find out information about your treatment
  • Preparing and supporting you at meetings, ward rounds or care reviews
  • Being fully involved in your care planning to help you
  • Helping you to find out whether any conditions or restrictions apply to you