Commentary on Sections Part 2 – the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland Visits in relation to patients
28.Section 13(1) requires the Commission to ensure that persons authorised by it visit certain categories of patients specified in subsection (2). The frequency of visits is a matter for the discretion of the Commission. The duty applies whether the patients concerned are in hospital or the community. In addition to the duty to visit patients subject to compulsory measures, the Commission may visit hospitals, community mental health facilities and prisons both to inspect the facilities and to allow patients to discuss with the Commission any concerns they may have. Subsection (6) allows the Commission to make unannounced visits.