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NHS Confederation - Mental Health Network welcomes proposed reforms to mental health laws
Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, which is part of the NHS Confederation, responded to the Mental Health Act White Paper
“The White Paper is a welcome step, following the review of the Mental Health Act in 2018.
“It’s crucial that the legislation is modernised as the number of people being detained every year is growing. Unacceptable disparities in the use of the Act also continue, with black men four times more likely to be detained.
“It is reassuring to see the Government has accepted the majority of the 2018 review’s recommendations, which will help strengthen the patient voice and provide more therapeutic care for those who need it, with a stronger focus on recovery.
“It’s important that any costs incurred as a result of the implementation of recommendations and new legislation are fully funded and don’t come out of existing budgets, which are already stretched.
“We will work with our members to respond to the consultation, to help ensure that the practicalities of implementing the improvements have been fully thought through. This is more critical than ever as the impact of the pandemic means the very real prospect of significantly increased demand for mental health services.”
