Ms Rosemary Smyth:

In respect of our tribunals, because we do not have the non-specialists, what we are seeing is an increase in the number of cases in which procedures are not being applied correctly for people who are detained involuntarily, the most vulnerable people using our mental health services. That results in orders being revoked unnecessarily and, as a result, people are having to go through the whole process again or are perhaps undergoing early discharges without receiving appropriate treatment. From that perspective, it is quite concerning that the most vulnerable people who are using the mental health services are not afforded an appropriately qualified person to manage their care.