If a voluntary inpatient tries to leave an inpatient ward, for how long can a nurse hold them there against their will under Section 5(4) of the Mental Health Act?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the duration a nurse can legally hold a voluntary inpatient against their will according to a specific section of the Mental Health Act.
Answer
6 hours
Under Section 5(4) of the Mental Health Act, a nurse can hold a voluntary inpatient for a maximum of 6 hours if they try to leave against their will.
Answer for screen readers
Under Section 5(4) of the Mental Health Act, a nurse can hold a voluntary inpatient for a maximum of 6 hours if they try to leave against their will.
More Information
Section 5(4) is typically used by mental health nurses for short-term holding until a doctor can assess the patient.
Tips
Confusing Section 5(4) with Section 5(2), which allows doctors to hold a patient for 72 hours.
Sources
- Holding Powers under Section 5(2) and 5(4) - dpt.nhs.uk
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