Mental Health Act Code Of Practice Now Available
The Bermuda Mental Health Act Code of Practice is now available, with officials saying it ”will provide clarity to all mental health professionals in Bermuda about how they should carry out their roles and responsibilities.”
A spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Health and Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB] today announce that the Bermuda Mental Health Act Code of Practice is now available, following the consultation process last year, a process which was undertaken by BHB on the Ministry’s behalf.
“The Code provides guidance to medical practitioners, BHB staff and approved mental health professionals on how they should carry out their responsibilities under the Mental Health Act when providing psychiatric treatment and care for persons suffering from mental disorder.
“The Code will also help patients and their families to understand what they can expect from health professionals who are assisting with their loved ones’ treatment.
“It can be found here and the link is available on the BHB mental health website.
Minister of Health Kim Wilson comments: “I’m very pleased that the Code of Practice is now live – the first ever Code of Practice in Bermuda for mental health.
“It will provide clarity to all mental health professionals in Bermuda about how they should carry out their roles and responsibilities under the Bermuda Mental Health Act with the goal of delivering high quality and safe care. It outlines protections for patients and explains roles, rights and responsibilities. It is both a guide for professionals and also for patients, families and their carers.”
Preston Swan, Vice President of Clinical Operations, Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, comments: “BHB is very happy to have supported the consultation process on behalf of the Ministry.
“It is a great step forward in Bermuda that mental health professionals now have this important Code of Conduct to guide our work and to ensure that safe, effective and consistent services are delivered to people in Bermuda. It is also a great guide for patients, families and carers, setting transparent and clear expectations on how services and processes under the Mental Health Act should work.”
The Mental Health Act Code Of Practice follows below [PDF here]:
