Yashvi is a young, married, Bangladeshi woman, who has two young children. She started hearing voices and was taken into hospital and detained for assessment on a section 3 under the Mental Health Act (MHA).

Yashvi was referred to POhWER for support from an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA). 

Molly, a POhWER advocate, called the ward to speak to Yashvi. Molly was informed that English was not Yashvi’s first language and so it would be difficult for her to communicate with Molly over the telephone without an interpreter present. Molly was informed that the ward had arranged an interpreter to assist Yashvi at her ward round. Molly arranged to meet with Yashvi after the ward round to provide information regarding the IMHA role and Yashvi’s legal rights and requested the interpreter stay to assist with communication. 

On the day of the ward round, with interpreter support, Molly met Yashvi, introduced the role of an IMHA advocate, explained the limitations of confidentiality, and gained consent to proceed. Molly then explained Yashvi’s rights under section. 

Yashvi explained that she had heard voices last year and was now in hospital and didn’t like it. She told Molly she has two small children and that she thought her husband would find it hard without her. The advocate explained that Yashvi had the right to appeal her section under the MHA. Yashvi was concerned about the implications of appealing and worried about paying should she speak to a solicitor. Molly explained the appeal process and purpose, and that it was free. Yashvi agreed she would like to appeal; she chose a solicitor from the list Molly provided and agreed that Molly could call them on her behalf. 

Yashvi was upset that she had not seen her husband or children in eight days. Molly explained that Yashvi had a right to visits but that the children would not be allowed on the ward. Visits with her children would need to be arranged using the family room off the ward. 

Yashvi also had concerns about her room being next to the courtyard area where some of the other patients smoked, Yashvi did not like this as it was affecting her breathing, and she didn’t like the smell. 

Yashvi also felt the ward was not able to meet her needs around practising her faith. Yashvi had strong religious beliefs, but her room space meant it was very difficult for her to pray.

Yashvi said that she felt quite vulnerable and alone on the ward and she just wanted to go home and be with her family. She promised she would continue to take her medication if they discharged her. 

Molly worked with Yashvi to prepare for her next ward round so they could put her views and wishes forward. 

Molly spoke to the nursing staff about Yashvi moving rooms but was told that at that time the unit was full but once someone was discharged, they would be able to look into her request to move. In the meantime they agreed that she could access a private room for prayers. 

Molly contacted the approved Mental Health solicitor that Yashvi had chosen and provided them with Yashvi’s details so they could support with the appeal process. 

Molly requested that an interpreter be present at the next ward round. At the ward round, Yashvi was asked several questions regarding how she was feeling. Yashvi said she just wanted to go home. The consultant explained under the MHA they had the right to detain her in hospital if they felt she wasn’t well enough to go home but said they wouldn’t keep her in hospital any longer than was necessary. Yashvi said that she wasn’t hearing voices any longer and that she would continue with the medication. Molly put Yashvi’s views and wishes forward, explaining that Yashvi felt she would cope much better at home in her own environment. Molly also explained that Yashvi was missing her family and was unable to properly practice her faith on the ward. 

The consultant reassured Yashvi that they had needed to be sure she was well before they discharged her, but agreed that she was now ready and once her medication had been prepared and care in the community was set up, she could go home.