A SENIOR solicitor-advocate has welcomed an announcement that virtual assessments have been outlawed in determining whether a patient should be detained under the Mental Health Act. But John Lancaster, who represents mental health clients across the region, says clearer guidance is needed about how to carry out face-to-face assessments safely. Mr Lancaster, a member of the Mental Health team with Legal 500 law firm GHP Legal, says that whilst he is not aware of any such virtual assessments taking place with his own clients in North Wales, Shropshire and north-west England, he would urge...