The vexed question of the voluntary patient

Hope Davidson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The current statutory framework in Ireland provides certain key safeguards for people who are admitted involuntarily for mental health treatment and care; the same legislation makes scant reference to the person who seeks treatment and care on a voluntary basis. This has led to concerns in relation to deprivation of liberty and to non-consensual medical treatment for these patients. This article seeks to examine the development of the law in relation to voluntary patients in Ireland and to assess in light of recent developments where Ireland now stands in terms of protecting the right of the voluntary patient to liberty.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)205-220
Number of pages16
JournalEuropean Journal of Health Law
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Detention
  • Human rights
  • Ireland
  • Mental health
  • Voluntary patients

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