Inspectorate of Mental Health Services
The Inspectorate of Mental Health Services is a multi-disciplinary team which currently includes professionals from the following backgrounds:
- Psychiatry
- Occupational Therapy
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Service User
In line with the Mental Health Act, 2001, the Inspector of Mental Health Services is a Consultant Psychiatrist.
The Inspectorate of Mental Health Services is required by law (S.51(1)(a)) Mental Health Act, 2001) to visit and inspect every approved centre annually and as the Inspectorate think appropriate to visit and inspect any other premises where mental health services are being provided.
As part of inspection process, (Section 51 Mental Health Act 2001), the functions of the Inspectorate include ascertaining the degree of compliance by approved centres with any Code of Practice prepared by the Commission under Section 33(3)(e) of the Act and under Section 52(d) to ascertain whether any regulations made under Section 66 of the Act (regulations in relation to approved centres) and any Rules made under Section 59 (providing for the use of ECT) and Section 69 (providing for the use of seclusion and mechanical means of bodily restraint) are being complied with. For further information on the Rules, Codes of Practice and Regulations please refer to Mental Health Act, 2001 and Registration of Approved Centres.
The Mental Health Act, 2001 requires that the Inspectorate report to the Mental Health Commission on their inspections (S.42(2) Mental Health Act, 2001).