Removal and return of patients to and from England and Wales

The Mental Health Act 1983 applies to England and Wales, while other parts of the UK (Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) have their own mental health legislation. Occasionally, psychiatric patients who are currently detained in hospital or are under guardianship may need to be removed or returned within the UK. Part VI of the Mental Health Act 1983 provides the necessary legislation to allow the transfer of such patients across national boundaries within the UK without any break in the power for confinement. Similarly, provision is also made (under Section 86 of Part VI of the Act) for the removal of psychiatric patients who are aliens.