Supervised discharge order: the first year in the South and West Region

Information was collected from responsible medical officers (RMOs) in the South and West Region who had used the new supervised discharge order (SDO) (Section 25a) during the first year of its operation. Twenty-nine patients were placed on a SDO by 19 consultants. Most patients suffered from schizophrenia. In a third of cases, medication was stipulated as a requirement, although this is not legally permissible. RMOs commented on the time-consuming process of applying for a SDO and felt it had limited value because of the lack of sanctions.