A Community Mental Health and Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist at the War Memorial Hospital, Frederick Adiak, has explained that persons suspected of living with mental illness cannot simply be taken from the streets to a psychiatric facility without following the appropriate legal and professional procedures.
He said the Mental Health Act provides specific procedures for involuntary admission, particularly in situations where an individual may require treatment without their consent.
His comments follow concerns raised over a temporary shelter provided by St. Mary’s Empowering the Least Organisation, Saboro-Namolo (SMETLOSANG) in partnership with the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Social Welfare Department for a person suspected of living with mental illness, to protect him from harsh weather conditions.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Mike FM on Wednesday, September 16, Adiak said such cases may require the involvement of the police, courts, medical personnel and the Social Welfare Department before an individual can lawfully be admitted for treatment.
He explained that involuntary admission may be facilitated through a court order, police intervention or a certificate of emergency, depending on the circumstances of the individual.
According to him, authorities must establish whether the person is actually living with a mental health condition and assess whether the condition poses a risk to the individual or others before determining the appropriate intervention.
Adiak stressed that following due process is important because persons living with mental illness have rights that must be respected even when they require urgent care.
He said the case of the man who had been living in an exposed area required the relevant authorities to pursue the necessary procedures while ensuring his immediate protection from the harsh weather conditions.
Adiak said the temporary shelter therefore provided an opportunity for the relevant institutions to assess the man’s situation and pursue appropriate interventions rather than leaving him exposed while a long-term solution was being sought.
He consequently called for greater public understanding of the legal and professional procedures involved in supporting persons living with mental illness, saying interventions must protect both their health and fundamental human rights.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
