MHA 1983 s3

Section 3 is used to admit patients for treatment, which can be imposed against their wishes. It is often to said to last for 6 months; this is the period it would last if the patient were not discharged sooner, or the section not renewed for a further period.

The initial period is 6 months. The section can be renewed for a further 6-month period, and then at yearly intervals thereafter.

One application can be made to the MHRT during each period mentioned above. Hearings take place approximately 4-8 weeks after the application.

The patient can be discharged by his RMO at any time (it is also the RMO who renews the section). He may also be discharged at an MHRT hearing, a Hospital Managers' Hearing or, finally, at the request of his nearest relative.

During the course of the section, leave may be granted by the RMO under s17, and the patient may be transferred to another hospital under s19.

Usually, when discharged, a patient is completely discharged from the provisions of the Mental Health Act, but occasionally a "supervised discharge" is granted under s25A.