(1) The medical officer may, with the previous consent in writing of the Chief Medical Officer, receive and lodge in the mental hospital as a patient for the time specified in the consent and upon such terms and conditions as are considered reasonable by such officers, any person who is desirous of voluntarily submitting to treatment; after the expiration of which time (unless any further consent is in the like manner given for the extension thereof) he or she shall be discharged.
(2) The consent of the Chief Medical Officer shall be given only on application to him or her by the intending patient.
(3) A patient may leave the mental hospital upon giving to the medical officer 24 hours notice in writing of his or her intention to do so.