UK
Royal College of Psychiatrists welcomes the inclusion of mental health bill in Queen's speech
By RCPSYCH, UK
May 18, 2005, 17:32

The Royal College of Psychiatrists today welcomed the inclusion of a Mental Health Bill in the Queen's Speech.

The College has been working with colleagues in the Mental Health Alliance to provide Parliament and Government with constructive proposals for reform.

Dr Mike Shooter, President, said, "We strongly support the report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill which was issued in March 2005, and feel that it is a solid basis on which to develop this legislation. We hope that the Government has listened to the important points made by the MPs and Peers who sat on the Committee and take their Report seriously."

Dr Tony Zigmond, Vice-President, said, "We have campaigned for reform of the Mental Health Act 1983 which needs to be revised to enhance mental health care and safety. The Government's proposals in the draft Mental Health Bill were rightly condemned by the Joint Committee as damaging. We will continue to work with Government to help translate the Joint Committee's proposals into workable legislation."

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