Guidance

An introduction to the Restricted Patient System

This guidance informs stakeholders about upcoming introductions to the Restricted Patient System.

• From: HM Prison and Probation Service
• Published: 22 March 2023
• Last updated: 17 March 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

The Mental Health Casework Section (MHCS) runs online sessions on a quarterly basis.

These sessions provide a greater understanding of the Secretary of State’s (SofS) functions under the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983.

This is a specialist and broad topic.

The presenter will aim to give you a greater understanding of MHCS responsibilities alongside particular sections of the act:

• Section 37 Hospital Orders
• Section 41 Restriction Orders
• Section 47/49 and 48/49 Transfers from prison
• Section 45A and 45B Hospital directions

Register for online sessions

An introduction to the Restricted Patient System

Register to join the next introduction session taking place on MS Teams on 26 May 2026, 11am to 12:30pm.

Published 22 March 2023

Last updated 17 March 2026 + show all updates

1. 17 March 2026

   Dates for online sessions updated.

2. 31 December 2025

   Registration added for a 13 Jan 2026 online session: 'Applying to the MoJ for a supervised discharge'.

3. 26 November 2025

   Registration updated for the next session.

4. 26 September 2025

   Added link to register for the next session on 25 November 2025.

5. 27 June 2025

   Updated with August 2025 session registration information.

6. 5 March 2025

   Added new online session details and link: 19 May 2025, 3:00pm to 4:30pm

7. 19 December 2024

   Next Teams session updated.

8. 22 March 2023

   First published.