The government began its reform of mental health services in 1998. Draft bills published in 2002 and 2004 have been controversial. This article looks at the latest draft released in November 2006 and how it differs from predecessors. The changes included a single broader definition of mental disorder; the abolition of the 'treatability test'; widening the range of roles previously assigned to social workers and doctors; shortening the time limits for a patient's automatic referral to an independent tribunal; and strengthening the safeguards for people without the capacity to consent to care under detention, such as those with dementia.
The government began its reform of mental health services in 1998. Draft bills published in 2002 and 2004 have been controversial. This article looks at the latest draft released in November 2006 and how it differs from predecessors. The changes included a single broader definition of mental disorder; the abolition of the 'treatability test'; widening the range of roles previously assigned to social workers and doctors; shortening the time limits for a patient's automatic referral to an independent tribunal; and strengthening the safeguards for people without the capacity to consent to care under detention, such as those with dementia.
Subject terms:
law, mental health problems, mental health services, government policy;
Looks at new research showing people with learning difficulties are still being marginalised and face problems in obtaining basic and social care services.
Looks at new research showing people with learning difficulties are still being marginalised and face problems in obtaining basic and social care services.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mental health problems, resource allocation, social work, social care provision, equal opportunities, health care;
Mental health nurses may expect to encounter violent behaviour, but should they also have to fight for managerial support when they are attacked?. Reports on the issues.
Mental health nurses may expect to encounter violent behaviour, but should they also have to fight for managerial support when they are attacked?. Reports on the issues.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mental health services, management, nurses, nursing, staff, staff management, violence, conduct disorders;
Poverty and isolation in a large city like London can make women particularly vulnerable to depression, especially if they are from outside the UK. Reports on a project that seeks out such women and offers them a package of counselling, practical advice and a chance to make new friends.
Poverty and isolation in a large city like London can make women particularly vulnerable to depression, especially if they are from outside the UK. Reports on a project that seeks out such women and offers them a package of counselling, practical advice and a chance to make new friends.
Subject terms:
social isolation, mental health problems, poverty, therapies, therapy and treatment, urban areas, women, black and minority ethnic people, counselling, depression;
Looks at how people with mental health problems are demonised in the tabloid press. Reports on what is being done to combat this.
Looks at how people with mental health problems are demonised in the tabloid press. Reports on what is being done to combat this.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mentally disordered offenders, public opinion, publicity, schizophrenia, severe mental health problems, stereotyped attitudes, attitudes;
A pilot project has been set up in Warwickshire to deal with social care clients who may pose a threat to members of the public. Examines how an inter-agency protocol will share information and ideas to enable all agencies to take the right course of action.
A pilot project has been set up in Warwickshire to deal with social care clients who may pose a threat to members of the public. Examines how an inter-agency protocol will share information and ideas to enable all agencies to take the right course of action.
Subject terms:
information services, joint working, mental health problems, mentally disordered offenders, offenders, police, probation service, risk, social services, social care provision, staff, training, communities, conduct disorders, education, health care;