A study of police referrals to Woodbridge Hospital

This is a retrospective study of 127 cases brought by the police under Section 32 of the Mental Health Act (1973). The aims of the study were to collect epidemiological data and to review the mental health provisions. Majority of the patients were Chinese, male, 20-39 age-group, single, unemployed, schizophrenic with previous admissions to Woodbridge Hospital. Aggressive behaviour and public nuisance were the commonest reasons for police interventions. Ninety percent of the patients required admissions to hospital. There was no apparent misuse of the Mental Health Act.