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Job overview
Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is seeking to appoint suitable people to the role of Associate Hospital Managers (AHMs). AHMs are volunteers who work in accordance with the guidance outlined in the Mental Health Act 1983 (the Act) and review patients' compulsory detention and Community Treatment Orders under the Act testing evidence against statutory criteria.
Detention of mentally ill people against their wishes is a measure of last resort when they have become too disordered to recognise their own condition and could deteriorate without treatment, becoming a risk to themselves or to others. However, depriving a citizen of their liberty is a serious step that must be taken with care and is subject to stringent review.
AHM reviews take place either at face to face hearings where the patient's doctor, care coordinator and nurse give evidence to a panel of three AHMs and answer questions from the patient and their legal representative - or on paper (remote reviews held on MS Teams). Having gathered all the evidence, the AHMs must decide whether to discharge the patient.
The Trust offers a comprehensive induction package to all new AHMs and various training opportunities throughout the year.
The role is as and when required, Associate Hospital Managers can apply when they are available for a review, a sessional £50 fee is paid for every review undertaken.
Main duties of the job
- To hear patients’ appeals against detention when requested by the patient.
- To review the detention of patients within the timeframe appropriate to the particular section.
- To consider Renewal of Authority notices.
- To attend Associate Hospital Managers Committee meetings and other meetings as required.
- To attend training sessions as deemed appropriate to the role.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Mental Health Act 1983 sets out procedures under which a detained patient may make an appeal against their detention heard by a panel (of three) of ‘managers’ (a term enshrined in the Act). Written evidence is taken from appropriate doctors, nurses and social workers; oral evidence is taken from these professionals, from the patient and from others as appropriate. The Trust presents its case for continuing detention under the Section of the Act. The patient may have support of a legal representative and an Independent Mental Health Advocate or carer. The panel, having heard all the evidence, decides whether to support the detention or to discharge the patient from liability to be detained.
Please see attached Job Description for further details.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Associate Hospital Manager with Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust in Maidstone, South East, England. It is listed as a Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £50 Mileage to be paid as appropriate if travelling to sites. The contract type is Voluntary: 3 years (Flexible working. Minimum 3 panels per year). The application deadline is 04 Jun 2026.
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