Confidentiality (doctors)

Doctors cannot disclose information to the parents but they will normally inform social services if a child or young person (under 18) is at risk from staying in their current place of residence. Social services can inform parents of situations if they feel it is in the best interest of the young person.

A doctor does not have the right to demand to see your wounds. However, they will often only ask to see them so they can make sure you are looking after them, and to gauge severity. It is a good idea to allow a doctor to see your wounds if they ask.

You can be placed under a mental health section and detained in a hospital if you are deemed to be suffering from a mental disorder OR detention is necessary for protection of you or others. This applies to anyone, regardless of age.

If you are to be detained and you are under 16, your parents will normally be informed. The same applies if you are over 16 and still living at home.

However, doctors are not likely to detain you without offering alternative solutions first, and will ALWAYS discuss a decision with you. To start with, there are 2 ways you can be detained against your will. Under Section 4 “Admission to Hospital for Assessment” Admission to hospital for 28 days for assessment purposes. This requires signature of two doctors (one of which must be approved under Section 12 and one must be previously acquainted with the patient.)

Also under Section 4 “Emergency Admission to Hospital”

Emergency admission to hospital for 72 hour assessment, with a view to possible extending the section to a Section 2, or a Section 3, and requires the signature of a single doctor, who must either be approved under Section 12, or has a previous acquaintance with the patient.  

Applications can also be made by an approved Social Worker or the patients nearest relative.

Also a nurse can detain you for up to six hours to allow a visit by a single doctor, qualified as stated above for a Section 4, or two doctors qualified as stated for Section 2.

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