Mental Health Coalition welcomes significant improvements to Mental Health Bill

Published: 24 August 2007

The Mental Health Coalition today welcomed improvements to the Mental Health Bill following a successful stage in the Commons. The Coalition is now positive about the legislation's progress back to the Lords.

Significant improvements agreed in the Commons include: ensuring that Community Treatment Orders are less restrictive and relate directly to health benefits, the creation of a statutory advocacy service and ensuring that children and young people are treated in age appropriate environments.

The Coalition is particularly pleased that MPs listened to their calls and voted in favour of Chris Bryant MPs amendment. The amendment, backed by the Commons last night, will ensure that no-one will be detained under the Mental Health Act unless there is some real therapeutic benefit in the treatments available to them.

The Coalition represents 85% of mental health practitioners, and has been working hard since its creation to secure positive amendments to the Mental Health Bill. The Coalition's work has been significant in helping to shift the Government's position and in achieving improved cross-party support for key elements of the Bill

This is the only opportunity to get effective legislation through parliament to improve the 1983 Act. When Peers are considering the Bill they must appreciate the importance of this Bill in ensuring services are fit for the 21st century. Failing to seize this opportunity will let down service users and mental health professionals who require modern and fit for purpose mental health services.

Speaking on behalf of the Coalition Ian HUlatt said:

“The Government has made progressive changes to the Mental Health Bill in the Commons, giving the Bill stronger focus on the health benefits to patients.”

“As the Bill returns to the Lords we hope that Peers will support the significant improvements achieved in the Commons. We believe that this legislation will provide a good foundation for the modern, patient centred multidisciplinary mental health services of the future that service users deserve.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

1. The coalition was formed in May 2007 and represents 85% of mental health practitioners. Its aim is to work together to ensure that the proposed Mental Health Bill reflects and supports modern, multidisciplinary, patient centred mental health services.

2.The Mental Health Bill finished its third reading and report stage debates in the Commons last night. It is expected to return to the Lord in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

Contacts

Unite- MHNA Press Office:

Brian Rogers 07918 630 406 or brianrogers@amicustheunion.org

British Association of Occupational Therapists Press Office:

Adam Jezard 020 7450 2335 or 07986 757114

British Psychological Society Press Office:

Douglas Brown 0116 252 9500 or 07793 800 366 or Douglas.brown@bps.org.uk

Royal College of NursingPress Office:

Laurence Meehan 020 7647 3633

Unison Press Office:

Richard Bingley 020 7551 1546