This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Mental Welfare Commission report
06/11/2001
Promoting better mental health, especially among young
people, will remain one of the key health priorities for
the NHS, the Executive confirmed today as the Mental
Welfare Commission published its annual report for
2000-2001.
Deputy Health and Community Care Minister Malcolm
Chisholm said the need to improve mental health services
was one of the biggest challenges Scotland faced.
The MWC report recognises the significant developments
which are taking place in the care and treatment of people
with a mental disorder, but highlights the need for better
co-ordination of young people's services.
Mr Chisholm said:
"Mental health has been neglected for too long. The
Executive has made better mental health one of our 'top
three' health priorities, and why this year we have taken a
number of significant steps to address the issue.
"Today's Mental Welfare Commission report highlights the
need to provide better services to young people. It finds
that services at the moment are often patchy. We recognise
this problem, as do many working in mental health services
and beyond.
"That is why last week, Ministers for Health, Education
and Social Justice jointly launched an Action Plan on
integrated children's services. This aims to tackle the
many of the areas that the Commission highlights, to
provide a joined-up' service so that health services,
education and social work all team up effectively to offer
better support for young people.
"Much has been achieved already. At the start of
October, I launched our draft framework on suicide and
self- harm, as one part of a £4 million campaign to promote
better mental health. This will support more work with
young people to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health
issues, encouraging them to recognise problem signs and
seek help earlier.
"The Framework also proposes local champions to work
with local bodies to co-ordinate action and address factors
in their area which may lead to mental health issues.
"Across the wider mental heath agenda, the Commission
highlights the range of work we have undertaken this year.
The Adults with Incapacity Act makes it easier to support
people with incapacity that may be due to mental disorder,
and the Regulation of Care Act lays down higher standards
of care. These are two very significant pieces of
legislation which would have taken much longer to bring in
before devolution.
"And last month, we set out proposals for the most
fundamental overhaul of Scotland's mental health laws for
40 years. We have set out legislative proposals for
clearer, fairer, safer laws for patients, carers and health
professionals that reflect a balance of rights and
responsibilities for a 21
st century society. A new Mental Health Bill
will be brought forward early next year.
"Investment. Innovative ways of working. And new
legislation. All are testimony to our commitment on mental
health. We will continue to work with the Commission to
maintain the drive to improve mental health services,
championing success, but also highlighting problems and the
actions needed to address them."
The
Framework for Mental Health Services was published
in December 2000. It encourages all care agencies to
improve the profile of mental health services and to
educate the public about the genuine contribution people
with mental health problems can make to their local
communities.
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