A report said that the stigma relating to mental health had both a direct and indirect impact on professionals working in mental health services.
Source: Department of Health Working Well Programme 2001-2003, Mentality (020 7716 6777)
Links: Report (Word file) | Summary (Word file)
Date: 2003-Dec
A report said that the routine visiting of people detained on grounds of mental illness was at risk under proposed government reforms (under which the Mental Health Act Commission would be superseded).
Source: Placed Amongst Strangers: Twenty years of the Mental Health Act 1983 and future prospects for psychiatric compulsion, Mental Health Act Commission, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report (pdf) | Guardian report
Date: 2003-Dec
A report by the Commission for Health Improvement said that mental health services were showing signs of improvement, but that staff shortages, under-investment and major organisational change meant they were still lagging behind the rest of the National Health Service. It highlighted the fact that most services were 'still struggling' to meet the needs of black and ethnic minority people.
Source: Mental Health Trusts: Sector report, Commission for Health Improvement (020 7448 9200)
Links: Report (pdf) | Report (Welsh) (pdf) | CHI press release (1) | CHI press release (2) | DH press release | NHS Confederation press release | Mind press release | Guardian report
Date: 2003-Dec
A report examined what had happened to public spending on mental health care in recent years. It showed that services across the country were struggling with long-standing debts, serious staff shortages and rising prescription bills.
Source: Money for Mental Health: Review of public spending on mental health care, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (020 7827 8352)
Links: Summary (pdf) | SCMH press release | Guardian report | Community Care report
Date: 2003-Nov
A study found 'little evidence' to support the potential for routine outcomes measures to improve the quality of mental healthcare.
Source: Simon Gilbody, Allan House and Trevor Sheldon, Outcomes Measurement in Psychiatry: A critical review of outcomes measurement in psychiatric research and practice, CRD Report 24, NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination/University of York (01904 433648)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2003-Nov
A paper set out the principles that should underpin choice, responsiveness and equity in mental health. It summarised the preconditions for choice, discussed the importance of expanding services to improve responsiveness, and suggested ways in which alternative provision might be developed.
Source: Fair for all, Personal to you : Consultation on choice, responsiveness and equity, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (020 7827 8352)
Links: Report (pdf) | SCMH press release
Date: 2003-Nov
A report said the 2002 draft Mental Health Bill could dramatically increase the workload of key mental health service staff and lead to a workforce crisis.
Source: The Draft Mental Health Bill: Assessment of the implications for mental health service organisations, NHS Confederation (020 7959 7272)
Links: Report (pdf) | NHS Confederation press release | DH press release | Guardian report | Community Care report
Date: 2003-Nov
The government began consultation on how best to improve mental health services for black and minority ethnic communities. A report was also published of meetings organised through local community resources or groups, targeted at south Asian, Chinese, Irish and black communities.
Source: Delivering Race Equality: Framework for action, Department of Health (08701 555455) | P. Walls and S. Sashidharan, Real Voices: Survey findings from a series of community consultation events involving black and minority ethnic groups in England, Department of Health
Links: Consultation document (pdf) | DH press release | Real Voices (pdf) | SCMH press release
Date: 2003-Oct
A report sought to develop policies concerning the care and treatment of black and minority ethnic detained patients. It focused on ethnic monitoring, racial harassment, the use of interpreters and the provision of culturally appropriate care and staff training.
Source: Kamlesh Patel, Moira Winters, Jon Bashford and William Bingley, Engaging and Changing: Developing effective policy for the care and treatment of black and minority ethnic detained patients, National Institute for Mental Health in England (0113 254 5000)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2003-Oct
The Children's Commissioner for Wales published his second annual report. He condemned mental health services for young people as 'wholly unacceptable', and warned that a proposal in the Anti-social Behaviour Bill could lead to curfews being imposed on young people that would be in clear breach of their human rights.
Source: Annual Report and Accounts: 2002-2003, Children's Commissioner for Wales (01792 765600)
Links: Report (pdf) | Guardian report
Date: 2003-Oct
A new book reported research which examined interprofessional work with families in which the mother had a mental health problem, and where there were also concerns about child protection.
Source: Nicky Stanley, Bridget Penhale, Denise Riordan, Rosaline Barbour and Sue Holden, Child Protection and Mental Health Services: Interprofessional responses to the needs of mothers, Policy Press, available from Marston Book Services (01235 465500)
Links: Summary
Date: 2003-Sep
Responding to a government consultation exercise, campaigners said that mental health services did not focus on preventing social exclusion, whereas it should be one of their core responsibilities; that there were widely held negative assumptions about the possibility of employment for people with mental ill health, and these needed to be tackled within employment, education and training settings; and that proposals for reform of the 1983 Mental Health Act missed opportunities to create a climate for increased social inclusion.
Source: Bob Grove et al., Mental Health and Social Exclusion: Response to the Social Exclusion Unit consultation, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (020 7827 8352)
Links: Submission (pdf) | SCMH press release
Date: 2003-Sep
The Scottish Executive published an action plan on mental health. Key priorities for the period to 2006 were to raise awareness and promote mental health and well-being; eliminate stigma and discrimination; prevent suicide; and promote and support recovery.
Source: National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-Being: Action plan 2003-2006, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Report
Date: 2003-Sep
A report said that local councils in the south east region were unprepared for an increase in demand for mental health services for older people. Research in 26 areas, where there was a high concentration of over-65s, showed many local authorities lacked reliable information to map out future needs. The report recommended that statutory authorities work in a more integrated way with voluntary and independent providers.
Source: The Shape of Future Care for Older People with Mental Health Needs, Friends of the Elderly (020 7730 8263)
Links: Summary (pdf) | Community Care report
Date: 2003-Sep
A report described the work being done by black voluntary organisations to provide effective and culturally sensitive mental health services.
Source: Black Spaces Project, Mental Health Foundation (020 7802 0300)
Links: Report (pdf) | MHF press release
Date: 2003-Sep
A report described the benefits of joint working between mental health and regeneration agencies to tackle social exclusion.
Source: Marsaili Cameron, Teresa Edmans, Angela Greatley and David Morris, Community Renewal and Mental Health: Strengthening the links, King s Fund (020 7307 2591)
Links: Report (pdf) | KF press release
Date: 2003-Sep
A survey of English trusts providing specialist adult mental health services found that, overall, the money made available to them (in real terms) decreased by 0.8 per cent between 2001-02 and 2002-03. Half of them had experienced a reduction in funding.
Source: Change in the Funding of English Adult Mental Health Care Providers between 2001/2002 and 2002/2003, Royal College of Psychiatrists (020 7235 2351)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2003-Aug
An article analysed a sample of suicides in England and Wales by those who had been in contact with mental health services in the year before death. In total 282 patients from ethnic minorities died by suicide 6 per cent of all patient suicides. Ethnic minority patients were more likely to have been unemployed than white patients, and to have had a history of violence and recent non-compliance. Black Caribbean patients had the highest rates of schizophrenia (74 per cent), unemployment, living alone, previous violence and drug misuse. The authors concluded that, in order to reduce the number of suicides by ethnic minority patients, services needed to address the complex health and social needs of people with severe mental illness.
Source: Isabelle Hunt et al., 'Suicides in ethnic minorities within 12 months of contact with mental health services: National clinical survey', British Journal of Psychiatry, August 2003
Links: Abstract | RCP press release
Date: 2003-Aug
The Court of Appeal ruled that two hospitals were wrong to disregard the Mental Health Act code of practice on the use of seclusion - the hospital equivalent of solitary confinement. The Court said that unjustified use of seclusion was a breach of patients human rights.
Source: Colonel Munjaz v. Mersey Care NHS & (1)SOS for Health, (2)Mind, Court of Appeal
Links: Text of judgement | Mind press release
Date: 2003-Jul
For the first time, every National Health Service trust in England received a full performance rating by the independent health watchdog. The best performers were awarded a maximum of three stars, while the poorest performers received no stars. Hospital trusts showed an overall improvement compared to the previous year. Campaigners described the improved results apparently shown by mental health trusts as 'astonishing'.
Source: NHS Performance Ratings: Acute Trusts, Specialist Trusts, Ambulance Trusts - 2002/2003, Commission for Health Improvement, TSO (0870 600 5522) | NHS Performance Ratings: Primary Care Trusts, Mental Health Trusts, Learning Disability Trusts 2002/2003, Commission for Health Improvement, TSO | Press release 16.07.03, Rethink (formerly National Schizophrenia Fellowship) (020 7330 9100)
Links: Acute trusts etc. summary (pdf) | PCTs etc. summary (pdf) | CHI ratings page | CHI press release | Rethink press release
Date: 2003-Jul
Researchers reviewed the evidence relating to treatments for people with severe personality disorder (those who, because of their disorder, also posed a significant risk of serious harm to others). It was found that a large number of studies suggested that various treatments may have a positive impact: but weaknesses in methodology were identified in the majority of these studies.
Source: Fiona Warren et al., Review of Treatments for Severe Personality Disorder, Online Report 30/03, Home Office (web publication only)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2003-Jul
Almost two-thirds of English mental health trusts faced a budget deficit in 2002-03, according to a survey. The biggest cause of pressure on budgets was staff shortages. Increased spending on drugs and debts accumulated from previous years were also common pressures.
Source: Nigel Goldie, Money for Mental Health, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (020 7827 8352)
Links: Report (pdf) | SCMH press release | Guardian report
Date: 2003-Jul
A report said that the National Health Service was failing too many people with mental health problems who went to their family doctor seeking prescription medicines for their condition. Almost one in five people who paid for un-prescribed care and treatment were paying more than 100 a month for treatment they felt they needed. Out of the 58 per cent who said they had been denied prescription medicines, 70 per cent felt the lack of treatment had hampered their recovery or ability to cope.
Source: The Hidden Costs of Mental Health, Mind (020 8221 9666) and Consumers' Association
Links: Consumers' Association press release | Mind press release
Date: 2003-Jun
The National Institute for Mental Health in England published its strategic plan for the period to 2005-06. (The NIMHE is a public body charged with improving the quality of life for people of all ages who experience mental distress.)
Source: Recovery and Change Mental health in the mainstream, National Institute for Mental Health in England (0113 254 5000)
Links: Plan (pdf)
Date: 2003-Jun
A draft Bill was published by the government on mental incapacity. It proposed a new statutory framework for decision-making on behalf of those who lacked capacity about financial and welfare matters. Lawyers expressed disappointment that the draft Bill would not require local authorities to protect vulnerable people from abuse.
Source: Draft Mental Incapacity Bill, Cm 5859-I, Department for Constitutional Affairs, TSO (0870 600 5522) | Press release 27.6.03, Law Society (020 7242 1222)
Links: Draft Bill | Guide to Bill (pdf) | Law Society press release | Alzheimer's Society press release | Disability Rights Commission press release | Mind press release
Date: 2003-Jun
A survey of 1,400 carers experiences of accessing mental health services and information found that one in four carers (27 per cent) had been denied access to help in the previous four years. Fewer than one third of carers (31 per cent) had been able to take a break lasting more than two days in the previous year.
Source: Who Cares?, Rethink (formerly National Schizophrenia Fellowship) (020 7330 9100)
Links: Rethink press release
Date: 2003-Jun
A survey of 3,000 users of mental health services found that just 1 per cent were satisfied with their quality of life. More than one in four (28 per cent) reported being shunned when seeking help.
Source: Just One Per Cent: Experiences of people using mental health services, Rethink (formerly National Schizophrenia Fellowship) (020 7330 9100)
Links: Report (pdf) | Guardian report
Date: 2003-Jun
A study examined how mental health review tribunals made decisions about whether or not to discharge patients detained under the 1983 Mental Health Act. It identified significant differences in operation between tribunals, raising doubts as the extent to which tribunals in general could be said to provide a safeguard against unduly protracted detention in hospital.
Source: Elizabeth Perkins, Decision-making in Mental Health Review Tribunals, Policy Studies Institute, available from Central Books (0845 458 9911)
Links: Summary
Date: 2003-Jun
A report found that the brains of thousands of mentally ill people may have been illegally removed after their death.
Source: Isaacs Report: Investigation of events that followed the death of Cyril Mark Isaacs, Department of Health, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report (pdf) | CMO press release | Rethink press release
Date: 2003-May
A paper said that mental health service user groups were making a big impact on local services, but lacked the resources to wield influence nationally.
Source: Jan Wallcraft and Michael Bryant, The Mental Health Service User Movement in England, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (020 7827 8352)
Links: SCMH press release
Date: 2003-May
The government published a report on improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic communities in England. The report set out three key objectives and recommendations for change: to reduce and eliminate ethnic inequalities in mental health service experience and outcome; to develop the cultural capability of mental health services; and to engage the community and build capacity through community development workers.
Source: Inside Outside: Improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic communities in England, National Institute for Mental Health in England (0113 254 5000)
Links: Report (pdf) | NIMHE press release (pdf)
Date: 2003-Apr
A report said that staff shortages in mental health services needed to be solved in radical new ways if they were to offer the service users needed. It argued that workforce planning placed too much reliance on recruiting new staff through conventional training and education, and that not enough was being done either to retain existing staff or to use their skills more efficiently or creatively.
Source: A Mental Health Workforce for the Future: Planner's guide, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (020 7827 8352)
Links: Summary (pdf) | SCMH press release
Date: 2003-Apr
The Scottish Parliament passed the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Bill. The Bill will establish a new Mental Health Tribunal; ensure that advocacy is available to all persons with mental disorder; strengthen the Mental Welfare Commission to ensure that people with mental illness and learning disabilities are properly protected; provide a new compulsory treatment order, which will allow care and treatment to be tailored to the personal needs of each patient, whether in hospital or in the community; place duties on local authorities to promote the well-being and social development of all persons with a mental disorder; and place additional safeguards on the use of certain medical treatments.
Source: Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Text of Act | SE press release | SAMH statement
Date: 2003-Mar
Campaigners welcomed a government amendment to the Community Care (Delayed Discharges) Bill, to the effect that any future regulations to extend the Bill to mental health services would have to be passed as an affirmative resolution (requiring a full debate in the House of Commons).
Source: Press release 27.3.03, Mind (020 8221 9666)
Links: Press release
Date: 2003-Mar
A study found that electroconvulsive therapy is an effective short-term treatment for depression, and is probably more effective than drug therapy. A mental health group welcomed the findings.
Source: John Geddes et al., 'Efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy in depressive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The Lancet 7.3.03 (020 7424 4910) | Press release 8.3.03, Sane (020 7375 1002)
Links: Lancet | Sane press release
Date: 2003-Mar
An official report set out three key objectives for improving the overall mental health of black and minority ethnic people living in England: reducing and eliminating ethnic inequalities in mental health service experience and outcome; developing the 'cultural capability' of mental health services; and building capacity through community development workers.
Source: Inside Outside: Improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic communities in England, National Institute for Mental Health in England (0113 254 5000)
Links: Report (pdf) | Press release | Guardian report | Mind press release
Date: 2003-Mar
The Scottish Executive outlined an action plan in response to an official report on the mental health needs of children and young people. The report recommended improving service provision through a focus on the rights of young people, and on prevention and early detection.
Source: Needs Assessment Report on Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Public Health Institute of Scotland (0141 300 1010) | Press release 28.3.03, Scottish Executive (0131 556 8400)
Links: Report (pdf) | SE press release
Date: 2003-Mar
The health services inspectorate said that some mental health trusts are improving the quality of care, but others have only recently started doing so. Failings were attributed to a number of factors: a lack of resources and infrastructure; weak strategic capacity; and rapid organisational change.
Source: Emerging Themes from Mental Health Trust Reviews, Commission for Health Improvement (020 7448 9200)
Links: Report (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2003-Mar
The government announced the publication of final 2002-03 performance indicators for mental health and primary care trusts, which will be used to assess these organisations and calculate (for the first time) their 'star rating'.
Source: Press release 31.3.03, Department of Health (020 7210 4850)
Links: DH press release | Performance indicators
Date: 2003-Mar
Researchers estimated the specific time and resource implications for professionals, if proposed changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 (England & Wales) in a government White Paper were to be implemented unchanged. They calculated that the amount of time required to comply with the Act would rise substantially (by 27 per cent overall). Social workers and independent doctors would spend 30 per cent and 207 per cent more time respectively.
Source: S an Whyte and Clive Meux, 'Workload implications of the proposed new Mental Health Act - an audit', Psychiatric Bulletin, February 2003
Links: RCPsych press release
Date: 2003-Feb
Psychiatrists said (in response to a government consultation) that, while recognising that the mental health needs of women may be different from those of men, flexibility of service design should be retained as far as possible (so that not all services become segregated along gender lines).
Source: Women's Mental Health: Response, Royal College of Psychiatrists (020 7235 2351)
Links: Response | Consultation Document
Date: 2003-Feb
The Northern Ireland Executive published a strategy document aimed at promoting mental health and reducing suicides. It included a target to reduce the proportion of people with a potential psychiatric disorder from 21 per cent to 19.5 per cent by 2008.
Source: Promoting Mental Health: Strategy and Action Plan 2003 2008, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety/Northern Ireland Executive (028 9052 0500)
Links: Press release
Date: 2003-Feb
A report said that people with mental health problems need much more support from primary care services. Many primary care staff lack training in mental health, and links with specialist services are often poor. The result is that too many mental health problems are not diagnosed properly and that some patients receive inappropriate medication.
Source: Primary Solutions: An independent policy review on the development of primary care mental health services, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (020 7827 8352) and NHS Alliance
Links: Summary (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2003-Jan
The government set out its intentions for the delivery of personality disorder services within general mental health and forensic settings. It said that service provision for personality disorder can most appropriately be provided by means of specialist multi-disciplinary teams, targeting those with significant distress or difficulty who present with complex problems; and by specialist day-patient services in areas with high concentrations of morbidity.
Source: Personality Disorder: No longer a Diagnosis of Exclusion - Policy implementation guidance for the development of services for people with personality disorder, National Institute for Mental Health in England/National Health Service (0113 254 5000)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary
Date: 2003-Jan
