Mental health nursing students need to understand their legal duties towards all clients, including specific laws for care of detained patients. Yet these laws can be comples, confusing, and difficult to relate to the reality of nursing care. This book is a clear guide to the Mental Health Act and Code of Practice which explains the specific duties, responsibilities and powers of mental health nurses and the care of detained patients in particular. It explains the most frequently encountered parts of the Act and Code and clarifies common misunderstandings. It outlines dilemmas faced by nurses which may arise from possible conflicting responsibilities. It also gives an introduction to other major legal considerations that mental health nursing students need.

Key features:

• Specific guide to the law for mental health nursing students, written by experienced practitioners involved in MHA regulation in England
• Case studies and examples help the reader relate the law to their clinical practice
• Multiple choice questions and acticvities help students to develop confidence and become critical and independent learners
• Linked to relevant NMC Standards and ESCs for degree-level education.

About the Author
Richard Murphy is the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act lead for Solent NHS Trust. One of his key roles is to support inpatient and community nursing staff to carry out their practice within the statutory frameworks of the Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act 2005. He qualified as a social worker in 2001 and continues to practice as an Approved Mental Health Professional and a Best Interest Advisor. He qualified with a masters in mental health law in 2012. Philip Wales is a senior manager for the Care Quality Commission and a mental health nurse. Between 2004 and 2009 he was as a regional director in the Mental Health Act Commission. Before specialising in Mental Health Act regulation Philip held senior management positions within the NHS in the mental health and acute hospital sectors.


Book Information
ISBN 9780857257611
Author Richard Murphy
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Learning Matters Ltd
Publisher Sage Publications Ltd
Weight(grams) 380g