Lay hospital managers
We are seeking to appoint suitable people to undertake the role of lay hospital managers. The role of a hospital manager is a statutory role as defined in the Mental Health Act 1983 (the Act) and provides a safeguard for those patients who are detained under the Act or subject to community treatment orders.
A lay hospital manager is a role delegated by officers employed by the health board in order to carry out reviews of detention or community treatments orders for those patients under the Act. Participating as a panel member of three you will consider and scrutinise whether the legal justification is met and /or whether to exercise the power of discharge.
An initial period of training will be provided in order to develop knowledge and understanding and to support the function undertaken on behalf of the hospital managers. Members are required to attend any training sessions and meetings which are held every four months.
We are particularly keen to receive applications from a wide diversity of backgrounds including individuals that have had direct experience of mental health services and those from under- represented groups such as black and other minorities.
This is an important and challenging role and hospital managers should have strong communication skills who can encourage patients to express their own feelings about their detention or community treatment order. Applicants must possess good listening skills and have the ability to assimilate information quickly and must also recognise and respect issues around confidentiality and data protection.
Hospital managers are independent of the health board so that they remain impartial with a positive approach to fairness and equity in ensuring patients' rights are maintained within the terms of the Mental Health Act whilst making decisions based on the evidence presented to them.
We offer payment for attendance as a panel member and for any travel expenses incurred whilst on health board business along with an electronic computer tablet.
For further information and/or submission of CV please contact Ruth Bourke, Mental Health Act Administration Lead at Ruth.bourke@wales.nhs.uk.
If appointed a DBS check and occupational health clearance may be required.
