RCN responds to Healthcare Commission reports on mental health services
Published: 31 March 2009
Commenting on two Healthcare Commission reports published today, which highlight inconsistencies in the mental health care available to older people and the need for improvement in the provision of adult community mental health care, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:
"While the report shows that good mental health care for older people is possible and on offer in some trusts, it is deeply concerning that this high quality care is not universal. All patients have a right to quality care, irrelevant of their age or where they live. Psychological therapies are of equal benefit to patients of all ages and should not be denied to older people. As the population ages, and the incidence of dementia increases, the stress put on these services will only increase so it is vital that improvements are introduced rapidly.
"Similarly, while it is welcome news that patients are becoming increasingly involved with their mental health care and treatment, a worrying number of people are still not getting appropriate care in the community. Mental illness is not a condition that ends at 5pm - it is vital that patients have access to the necessary care around the clock.
"Specialist nurses play a key role in community mental health - if we are to achieve the best care for all people with mental health problems it is crucial there are enough nurses to meet the need."
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Notes to Editors
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
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, healthcare assistants 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.