Inpatients Formally Detained in Hospitals under the Mental Health Act 1983 and Other Legislation, NHS Trusts, Care Trusts, Primary Care Trusts and Independent Hospitals - 2005-2006

Year to 31 March 2006

• The number of detentions under the Act rose to 47,400 in 2005-06 from 46,700 in 2004-05. Formal admissions rose to 27,400 in 2005-06 from 26,800 in 2004-05, surpassing the previous peak of 26,900 in 1998-99.
• 95 per cent of all formal admissions in 2005-06 were to NHS hospitals. 89 per cent of all formal admissions were NHS under Part II of the Act.
• In 2005-06 there were 20,000 detentions after informal admission to hospital. This compares with 19,900 in 2004-05.
• The number of Place of Safety Orders involving assessment in hospital increased by 16 per cent from 5,100 in 2004-05 to 5,900 in 2005-06. This followed an 14 per cent rise in 2004-05 and an 8 per cent rise in 2003-04.
• Court and prison disposals were the same figure in 2005-06 as in 2004-05 and have fallen by over a fifth since 1995-96.
• The rate of detentions in NHS hospitals under the Act (including detentions after admission) in 2005-06 in England was 87 per 100,000 population.
• at 31 March 2006, there were 14,600 patients detained in hospital, of which 12,100 were in NHS facilities and 2,500 in independent hospitals.