Power of Discharge Committee

The purpose of the Hospital Managers Power of Discharge Sub-Committee is to review and monitor how the operation of the delegated functions under Section 23 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (the 1983 Act) and the Code of Practice are  being exercised; and to provide  assurance to the Mental Health Act  Monitoring Committee (and ultimately  to the Board) that the processes employed by the Sub-Committee,  tasked with considering whether the  power of discharge should be used, are fair, reasonable and exercised lawfully.

A panel of three or more Member drawn from the Hospital Managers Power of Discharge Sub-Committee will hear individual cases where patients or their nearest relative have applied for discharge. The Members also sit on Renewal Hearings – they are collectively known as Hospital Managers Reviews.

Sub Committee Chair:
Helen Lentle, Independent Member

Lead Director:
Lauren Edwards, Executive Director of Allied Health Professions and Health Science

Secretariat:
Hospital Managers / Mental Health Team

The full role of the Sub Committee is detailed in the Terms of Reference.