Giving evidence before the first-tier Tribunal (Mental Health): What is the role of inpatient mental health nurses?

The Mental Health Tribunal is legal body with an important function to review the rights of detained patients in hospital and whether continued detention under the Mental Health Act (1983), remains the least restive option in the best interest of the patient. To undertake this work, the Tribunal examines evidence presented in clinical reports and oral evidence by mental health staff including psychiatrists, community mental health nurses and/or social workers, and inpatient mental health nurses. This article discusses best practice regarding application of the Mental Health Act-Code of Practice (CoP), concerning preparation required by inpatient mental health nurses attending the Mental Health Tribunal as expert witnesses to give evidence.

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in British Journal of Mental Health Nursing, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/bjmh.2023.0012