Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for us to recruit for 2 band 5 posts at St Bernards Hospital Mental Health Act Office.  We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, discretion and an eye for detail to work alongside experienced staff. This is a valuable opportunity for someone who wants to use their MHA administrative skills while making an important contribution to patient care.  Part of the role will include covering a Service level Agreement with Ealing Hospital.

You will need to have at least 1 year’s experience of Mental Health Act administration, and be familiar with the Mental Health Act Legislation. 

Main duties of the job

Receive, scrutinise and process detention documentation on behalf of the Hospital Managers.

Prior to admission of patients from the courts, check all legal documentation issued and take appropriate action if found to be incorrect.  

For patients on trial leave, check on regular basis with receiving unit for any change of circumstances (eg Tribunal status, recommendation for full transfer).  Ensure timely receipt of MoJ/Consultant’s consent to extension of leave/transfer and organise completion of appropriate statutory documentation.

On discharge, ensure legal documentation is correctly completed before patient leaves hospital. 

Refer, as appropriate, unrestricted patients to the Tribunal service.  Check that the MoJ have referred     restricted patients to the MHT service 

Support the MHA Administrators in setting up Tribunals and dealing with legal queries or difficulties. Support the Tribunal Assistant or MHA Administrators on the hearing day with legal queries or difficulties.

Receive, check and input information from the Approved Clinician in charge of treatment and Second Opinion Appointed Doctors (SOADs) under Part 4 of the Mental Health Act (Consent and Treatment).

Working for our organisation

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and   Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ 4,500 staff, of whom 56% are BME. Our turnover for 2023-24 is £426m. 

The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.