The nurse's role as patient advocate for mentally ill people

The recent report of the Confidential Inquiry into Homicides and Suicides by Mentally Ill People (the Boyd report) compiled for the government, and the imminent publication of the Mental Health Patient's Charter, highlight national concern over the provision of care for this group of people. This article examines some of the dilemmas facing mental health nurses when caring for patients under detention orders and evaluates guidelines and recommendations which can aid the nurse in providing appropriate care.