Report of the joint committee on draft mental health bill welcomed by the College
Mar 28, 2005 - 9:20:00 PM
"For the first time, patients with mental health problems will be treated under the same basic legal framework as other patients with physical illnesses. In particular, they will not be forced to have treatment if they are fully capable of making decisions for themselves, and they will only be subject to a mental health order if this will improve their health care," continued
By RCPSYCH, UK, [RxPG] The Royal College of Psychiatrists welcomes the recommendations from the Joint Committee on the draft Mental Health Bill, published on 23rd March 2005.
"We would like to thank the Scrutiny Committee for their considerable hard work over the last six months and their thorough examination of the minutiae of this very complicated piece of legislation," said Dr Tony Zigmond, Vice-President of the College.
"If adopted, the College believes that these recommendations will significantly enhance mental health legislation and the mental health services required to support them."
"For the first time, patients with mental health problems will be treated under the same basic legal framework as other patients with physical illnesses. In particular, they will not be forced to have treatment if they are fully capable of making decisions for themselves, and they will only be subject to a mental health order if this will improve their health care," continued Dr Zigmond.
Dr Mike Shooter, President of the College, also welcomed the proposals. "We look forward to working alongside colleagues in the Mental Health Alliance in helping government to implement these recommendations."
Publication:
Royal College of Psychiatrists Website
On the web:www.rcpsych.ac.uk
Advertise in this space for $10 per month.
Contact us today.
