Clarification on medical law - for entertainment purposes!

faceman

This is probably an unusual request but would really appreciate it if someone can help. Im in the pre-rehearsal stage with an established English play. The play is set in a hospital and there are one or two references to UK medical related law.

I'm planning on relocating the play to an Irish unnamed hospital and will need to change the script references from the UK law to the relevant Irish law. The script only makes reference to it, its a top level reference

It really is for entertainment purposes, its not going to be used other than to change the reference in the script.

Can anyone help me out please?

Jev/N

Any examples of the areas you're looking to get clarification on, specifically?

Some of the areas are quite similar or almost the same

NoQuarter

Well what's the references in the script??

nuac

Unless ou are dealing with specific statutes, the two legal systems are similar.

faceman

Thanks guys. There are essentially 2 areas:

Mental Health Act (section 26)
The script makes reference to the Mental Health Act in the UK. (script was originally set in the 70's) Is there an equivalent Act in Ireland?

In the script the act mentions that you can compulsorily admit someone under the act and give them whatever treatment you deem necessary, if they are considered 'insane' or incapable of making a rational decision about his/her life. It also mentions that you need two signatures to do it and only only one can come from a practitioner of the hospital of where the patient is to be kept.
Essentially my question is, does Irish law mirror this or what is the equivalent?

Habeas Corpus
To appeal a decision under the above Act you must appeal to a tribunal. However in the script the patient is unable to leave the hospital due to his injuries. His solicitor advises that they can try habeas corpus. It says that it is against the law to deprive anyone of their liberty without proper cause. If anyone is deprived, they or a friend can apply for a write of habeas corpus. They approach a judge outside of court and ask for a hearing out of court, in this case, in the hospital.
Is there something similar in Ireland?

Thanks for your help!

NoQuarter

1: Mental Health Act 2001.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/act/pub/0025/index.html

Take especial note of section 4.

and

2: Habeas Corpus applies over here too in practically the same manner as in the UK.