Nurses welcome mental health consultation

Published: 23 July 2009

Commenting on the launch of the Government consultation on mental health and wellbeing, New Horizons, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

"The chances are that everyone knows someone with a mental health issue, yet for far too long mental health has been hidden behind closed doors. Bringing the issue of mental health and wellbeing into the mainstream and making it everybody's business is clearly a step in the right direction.

"Nurses play a key role in preventing mental health problems from arising in the first place and can help to reduce the stigma which is sadly still associated with mental health problems. We look forward to working with the Government to see initiatives introduced which can improve the mental health prospects of all patients."

Ends

Notes for Editors

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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.