Forced ECT on patient with schizophrenia 'violated human rights'

Human rights violations are rare in the Australian health system, but are not unknown.

Last month, a Supreme Court of Victoria judgement ruled on the case of a patient with schizophrenia who was administered electroconvulsive therapy against his will.

Referred to as “PBU” in the court judgement, his case raises debate about the point at which mental illness robs patients of the capacity to make decisions for themselves. 

It also demonstrates how the judicial bodies tasked with ensuring their rights are adequately protected can become muddled in their thinking