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3/SC IT.
I have noted Mr. Martin Lee's reservations in connection
with the right of a person believed to be suffering from mental
disorder to be heard by a judge or magistrate and his
suggestion that the question of whether he wishes to exercise
either
certainly ret
this right should be put to him in the presence of a relative
or a social worker. We shall give careful consideration to
this suggestion.
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le
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Sc
Mr. Martin Lee also raised the question of whether the
Police have the power to enter private premises to prevent
someone from committing suicide if he is not willing to admit
I think,
this
them. This point is not strictly relevant to the present Bill,
certainly will
of
but I will refer Mr. Lee's view to the Commissioner of Police
and the Attorney General's Chambers.
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сар
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13. The Ad Hoc group felt that suspected mental patients
should be taken to the accident and emergency departments of
hospitals where there is a full psychiatric back-up service.
While this is a desirable aim, the current availability of
psychiatric doctors makes it unattainable at present. The
Director of Medical and Health Services has indicated that it
may be achievable in about four years time. In the interim
period, and within the limits of available manpower resources,
the Medical and Health department will do its best to ensure
that all such patients are seen by doctors who have worked
for three years or more in an accident and emergency
department.
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