Mental health law
Sir, — I am pleased to read that the Mental Health Act 1969 is due for an overhaul; but dismayed that the recommendations made by the Mental Health Foundation were not more extensive. What needs changing is the nature of the judicial process when a patient appeals to a District Court judge. This does not allow the patient or his representative to cross-examine those who give evidence against him. It is often the accusers who need to be reasoned with. All too often it is the weaker person in the family unit who is tainted with the label of insanity and exiled to psychiatric hospitals. I doubt if many of those most qualified to advise the study group — psychiatric patients — knew of the study, so they could not make submissions to it. Twelve per cent of - New Zealanders receive psychiatric treatment during their lifetime, so it is up to them, and their allies, to press for reform. — Yours, etc., f LINDSAY A. RANDIjE. February 27, 1984.
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Press, 1 March 1984, Page 18
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168Mental health law Press, 1 March 1984, Page 18
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