Role of the General Practitioner/Medical Practitioner

At the time of these Gain Guidelines going to press (October 2011), issues of contract concerning the role of the GP in carrying out responsibilities under the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986 have been challenged and await legal clarification.

Until then, the Role of the General Practitioner in these Gain Guidelines closely follows what is outlined in the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986, Guide to the Order and in the Code of Practice.

The GP role is well described in the WHO Guide to Mental and Neurological Health in Primary Care 2004

LINK TO WHO Guide to Mental and Neurological Health in Primary Care 2004
(See page 11 onwards of above document)

http://www.whoguidemhpcuk.org/page_view.asp?c=16&fc=006003&did=2230
This site provides a very useful overview and guidance on the role of the General
Practitioner in relation to the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.