Mental Treatment Act, 1945

Duties of Inspector of Mental Hospitals when making inspection.

237.—When making a visit and inspection of a mental institution required by this Act, the Inspector of Mental Hospitals shall—

(a) inquire whether due regard has been had in the management of the institution to this Act and to the provisions made thereunder,

(b) inquire whether the receptions in and discharges from the institution have been properly effected,

(c) inquire whether the dietary of the patients is satisfactory,

(d) inquire as to the mental and bodily condition of each of the patients on reception and at the time of the visit,

(e) inquire into the facilities given to patients to attend religious services and as to other religious aid given to patients,

(f) inquire where any system of coercion, restraint, or seclusion is in operation and if so—

(i) the particulars of the system,

(ii) the means by which it is practised,

(iii) whether it is by medical treatment or otherwise,

(iv) its results,

(g) inquire as to the classification or non-classification of the patients,

(h) inquire as to the staffing arrangements,

(i) inquire as to the occupations and amusements of the patients, and the effects thereof,

(j) inquire whether occupational therapy or any special form of treatment has been adopted, and, if so, its results,

(k) inspect every part of the premises included in the institution,

(l) see each of the patients received since his next previous visit required by this Act and inspect the documents authorising the reception of each such patient,

(m) inquire as to the discipline in the institution,

(n) make such other inquiries in relation to the institution and the patients and the staff and see such other persons as he thinks proper,

(o) enter in a book to be kept in the institution—

(i) the date of the visit,

(ii) the condition at the date of the visit of the patients,

(iii) the number of patients under restraint and the reasons given therefor,

(iv) particulars of any irregularity noticed during the visit,

(v) any other observations which he thinks proper.