The Mental Health Commission for Northern Ireland keeps under review the care and treatment of citizens who experience mental ill-health.

It visits citizens and/or their relatives in hospital and community environments, and people with a learning disability who live in hospital, nursing or residential homes, or with their families". 

The Commission monitors the use of compulsion, and it will investigate complaints that powers have been misused. However, please note that it cannot release people from compulsion under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986. This function is performed by a different body: the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

The Commission has a legal duty to inquire into any person's situation if it appears to it that there may be:

·         ill-treatment;

·         deficiency in care or treatment;

·         improper detention in hospital;

·         improper reception into guardianship;

·         exposure to loss or damage of a patient’s property by reason of their mental disorder.

If you are concerned about the way in which you are being cared or treated for a mental health problem, or would like information about your legal rights, then please do contact us.

Please also contact us if you are concerned about the care or treatment that someone you know is receiving.

     We will do our best to help and all information will be treated confidentially.