Hello, I’m Matthew Carroll the President of the Mental Health Tribunal.
Under the Mental Health Act when a person is experiencing very serious symptoms of a mental illness, and needs immediate treatment, they might be placed on what’s called a compulsory Treatment Order. That order means that they have to have treatment. Sometimes this will be in hospital. Other times it will be while they are still living at home.
If this happens to you, you will be invited to a Tribunal hearing within 28 days. The purpose of the hearing is to decide whether the compulsory treatment order should remain in place, and if so, for how long.
Your Tribunal hearing is an important opportunity to have your say about whether you need compulsory treatment, and your preferences for treatment in the future.
Here at the Tribunal we really want you to attend your hearing so you can tell us what you think and be part of the discussion and decision making process.
You are also welcome to bring a support person who may help you talk to us or who may tell us things that its important we understand before making a decision.
You can find out more about the Tribunal and how to prepare for a hearing by exploring our website.