(cf 1990 Act, s 230)
(1) The Principal official visitor must ensure that 2 or more official visitors visit each mental health facility in accordance with the regulations.
(2) For the purposes of any such visit, at least one of the official visitors is to be a person referred to in section 129 (2) (a), (b) or (c) and at least one other of the official visitors is to be a person referred to in section 129 (2) (d).
(3) On a visit to a mental health facility, the official visitors must--(a) so far as practicable, inspect every part of the facility at least once, and(b) so far as practicable, make any necessary inquiries about the care, treatment and control of voluntary patients and the patients or persons detained in the facility or who are subject to community treatment orders and being treated by the facility, and(c) examine and sign the registers, books, records and other documents produced to them in accordance with this Part, and(d) enter the fact of their visit in the official visitors book at the facility, together with any observations they think it appropriate to make.
(4) The official visitors must report to the Principal official visitor about each visit in accordance with any arrangements made by the Principal official visitor.
(5) A visit may be made with or without previous notice and at any time of the day or night, and be of such length, as the official visitors think appropriate.
(6) A visit may be made at the request of a designated carer or principal care provider of a patient or person treated at or by the mental health facility.