Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

Please note that this website has a UK government access keys system.

In-patients formally detained in hospitals under the Mental Health Act 1983 and other legislation, England: 1992-93 to 2002-03

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

This bulletin is an annual publication which summarises information about people detained under the 1983 Mental Health Act in NHS facilities, including high security psychiatric hospitals, and independent hospitals. It includes figures for the period 1992-93 to 2002-03.

Key facts

  • The number of detentions under the Act fell marginally to 46,900 in 2002-03 from 47,800 in 2001-02. Formal admissions increased to 26,700 in 2002-03 from 26,200 in 2001-02, having reached a peak of 26,900 in 1998-99
  • 95% of all formal admissions in 2002-03 were to NHS hospitals. 90% of all formal admissions were NHS under Part II of the Act
  • In 2002-03 there were 19,100 detentions after informal admission to hospital. This compares with 20,600 in 2001-02
  • The number of Place of Safety Orders involving assessment in hospital increased by 20% from 3,400 in 2001-02 to 4,100 in 2002- 03. This followed a 16% rise in 2001-02
  • Court and prison disposals were flat in 2002-03 compared to 2001-02 but have fallen by nearly a quarter since 1992-93
  • The rate of detentions in NHS hospitals under the Act (including detentions after admission) in 2002-03 in England was 91 per 100,000 population
  • At 31 March 2003, there were 13,600 patients detained in hospital, of which 11,600 were in NHS facilities and 2,000 in independent hospitals

Additional links

Ordering publications

Contact details for obtaining hard-copy DH publications.

Help viewing PDFs

Help viewing PDFs

Useful tips to ensure you get the most from PDFs and the free Reader program. Topics covered include accessibility, troubleshooting and searching files.

Access keys