Guidance

An introduction to the Restricted Patient System

This guidance informs stakeholders about upcoming introductions to the Restricted Patient System.

Applies to England and Wales

The Mental Health Casework Section (MHCS) runs online sessions on a quarterly basis.

These sessions provide a greater understanding of the Secretary of State’s (SofS) functions under the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983.

This is a specialist and broad topic.

The presenter will aim to give you a greater understanding of MHCS responsibilities alongside particular sections of the act:

  • Section 37 Hospital Orders
  • Section 41 Restriction Orders
  • Section 47/49 and 48/49 Transfers from prison
  • Section 45A and 45B Hospital directions

Register to join the next session taking place on MS Teams in February 2026.

Updates to this page

Published 22 March 2023
Last updated 26 November 2025 show all updates
  1. Registration updated for the next session.

  2. Added link to register for the next session on 25 November 2025.

  3. Updated with August 2025 session registration information.

  4. Added new online session details and link: 19 May 2025, 3:00pm to 4:30pm

  5. Next Teams session updated.

  6. First published.

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