PART IIIRECEPTION OF PERSONS IN SCOTLAND

Absconding32

1

Without prejudice to the powers of an escort under regulation 31, a patient who, while being escorted to their destination in Scotland, absconds within Scotland, will be liable to be taken into custody by a person specified in paragraph (3).

2

Where a patient is taken in to custody under paragraph (1), the specified person may–

a

return the patient to the custody of the escorts from whose charge the patient absconded; or, if that is not practicable;

b

take the patient to the receiving hospital or any other place considered appropriate by the patient’s responsible medical officer.

3

The persons referred to in paragraph (1) are–

a

a mental health officer;

b

a constable;

c

a member of staff of any hospital; and

d

any other person authorised for the purposes by the patient’s responsible medical officer.