The operation of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 in one psychiatric hospital.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland has commented on tentative evidence of the increasing use of compulsory detention in Scotland. Findings at Crichton Royal Hospital, Dumfries show that the number of patients detained annually has changed little since the introduction of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984, but that more patients are being transferred from emergency to further detention, and that the average length of detention has risen sharply, with almost a half being detained for more than 28 days. The question is posed: are Scottish patients being well served by the Act--and by Scottish psychiatrists?