VOLUNTEERS are being sought to sit on review panels for patients who have been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Lancashire Care NHS Trust wants volunteers from all backgrounds and will provide training.

Around 350 mental health patients are detained under the 1983 Act in hospitals managed by the trust.

All patients can request a review by application to the hospital managers or to a Mental Health Review Tribunal. Both have the power to discharge patients from the detention order.

Trust chairman, Mrs Vourneen Darbyshire, said: "At least three members are asked to sit on every review panel. And that's where the associate managers come in. We want to hear from people of all ages and backgrounds who have an interest in mental health issues and have the time and ability to commit to this important role."

Panels are held at a number of hospitals across Lancashire including Queen's Park Hosptial in Blackburn.

Duties also involve sifting through written reports and interviewing care teams and others involved in individual cases such as solicitors and advocates. An allowance of £25 per session to cover travel and subsistence is paid.

Anyone interested can call the Human Resources Department on 01772 773620 for an information pack. Or ring Christine Smithson, Acting Complaints/mental health act co-ordinator, on 01772 695383 for more details.