Learn more about mental health services and support our patients

Detaining people under the Mental Health Act is a big responsibility and Dorset HealthCare needs empathetic, hardworking local people to ensure they only do this in the appropriate cases.

Mental Health Act Panels are made up of independent people who review whether the trust has the authority to continue to detain a patient under the Act.

Dorset HealthCare is looking for people from a range of backgrounds to take on the important role of Mental Health Act managers.

They’ll consider verbal and written evidence from doctors, nurses, social workers and others and make a decision with two other panel members on whether to continue a person’s detention or to discharge them.

DHC Non-Executive Director Sarah Murray, who serves as a MHA manager, said: “This is a hugely important and satisfying role which gives me real insight into mental health care in Dorset. We need more people with a range of experience and perspectives to ensure the panels carry out their duties effectively.”

Mental Health Act managers need sound English skills and the ability to read complex reports as well as the robustness to deal with evidence that can sometimes be distressing.

Dorset HealthCare welcomes applications from people who can give three to five days a month, have a clean driving licence and access to a vehicle as county-wide travel is involved. They would like to hear from people of different ages, social and ethnic backgrounds to provide greater diversity on the panels.

There is full training and a payment of £70 per half day worked plus mileage payments.

For an informal chat about the role please call Karen Crellin, Mental Health Legislation Manager, on k.crellin@nhs.net, 01202 492035.

You can apply on the Dorset HealthCare NHS job pages: https://bit.ly/2zI6vAm.