Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 Explanatory Notes

Electro-convulsive therapy etc

439.Subsections (1) and (2) of section 237 provide that the types of medical treatment mentioned in subsection (3) may be given to patients to whom the giving of medical treatment is authorised by virtue of the 2003 Act or the 1995 Act, only in accordance with the safeguards set out in sections 238 and 239. Subsection (3) mentions electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and other types of treatment to be specified in regulations made by the Scottish Ministers, after consultation with appropriate persons.

440.The section is subject to section 243 which allows urgent medical treatment for patients detained in hospital (see paragraphs 457 to 460 below).

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