Hospital Managers' Hearing

A hearing somewhat similar to a Mental Health Review Tribunal, with broadly similar powers. They cannot discharge restricted patients; they can grant deferred discharges to take effect when a future event occurs in addition to on a future date. In addition to or instead of making a decision on discharge, they can adjourn and/or set a date for a further review.

An application to the Hospital Managers can be made at any time during detention, although if there has been, or will be, a review within 28 days, they may decide not to conduct their review by way of a hearing. In practice, the review is invariably by way of a hearing, but the hearing is arranged so as not to be within 28 days other hearings.

The managers must hold a review (1) when the patient requests that the managers discharge him, (2) afer a renewal under s20, or (3) following the issue of a barring order. In this last case they will consider the dangerousness criterion.

The managers unfettered power to discharge is contained in s23; guidance on procedure and discharge criteria can be found in chapter 23 of the Code of Practice.