Debated in Parliament on 5 Feb 2024.
Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Health whether there will be a review of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act to ensure that those who need care and help are given the necessary help and support without affecting their overall well-being, employment and employability.
The Ministry of Health reviews all our legislation regularly, to ensure that they remain adequate to serve the public interest. The Member may wish to give us any specific feedback on the Act's operation.
The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act allows for the admission and detention of any person, who is suffering from a mental disorder and who may be at risk of self-harm or causing harm to others, in a designated psychiatric institution for mandatory psychiatric assessment and treatment.
Patients admitted in accordance with the Act will be supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising of doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists and counsellors. Safeguards are in place to ensure the proper care and treatment of the patient in the institution. For instance, regular inspections are conducted by Appointed Visitors, which comprise of lay persons and doctors, who are not staff of the psychiatric institution, to review the care and well-being of the patient.
Upon discharge from the Act, the patient will continue to have regular outpatient appointments and may be followed up by Community Mental Health Teams. The patient will also be supported for reintegration into the community and referred to community-based resources for employment needs – for example, assistance from employment support agencies which provide customised training for jobseekers with mental health conditions and pair jobseekers with suitable employers to ensure a meaningful employment outcome.
PAPERCUTS