Section 117 of the Mental Health Act places a joint duty on health and social care to provide support to patients who are discharged from longer term detention under the Mental Health Act, to reduce the risk of their readmission to hospital.

This After-care Policy – Section 117 of the Mental Health Act provides guidance to staff in both the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and the Isle of Wight Council on the discharge of this duty, including clarification of their responsibilities, the range of services to be provided, monitoring and review and when the duty may come to an end.