Part 4 of the 1983 Act covers the medical treatment of certain detained patients. It does not apply to those subject to community powers under the 1983 Act, such as (for most purposes) patients subject to a CTO who have not been recalled to hospital. Treatment of CTO patients is generally covered under Part 4A. Part 4 of the 1983 Act applies to children and young people, as well as adult patients (although sometimes there are different rules that apply to children, for example in respect of electro-convulsive therapy under section 58A). A number of the sections of the Act that amend Part 4 of the 1983 Act include measures to ensure that patients are supported as far as possible to take part in decisions regarding their care and treatment. These measures are informed by the principles of choice and autonomy, the person as an individual and ensuring patients receive therapeutic benefit.
Treatment