scholarly journals Narratives of reform: the Mental Health Act (MHA) in England and Wales from the 1983 MHA to the Wessley Review (2018)

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-226
Author(s):  
Ian Cummins
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Community Mental Health Services ◽  
Community Treatment ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation

Purpose This paper aims to examine reform of mental health legislation in England and Wales. It covers the period from the introduction of the 1983 MHA to the proposed reforms outlined in the Wessley Review that was published in December 2018. Design/methodology/approach This is a literature-based project. Findings Reform of the mental health legislation reflects two potentially conflicting strands. One is the state’s power to incarcerate the “mad”, and the other is the move to protect the civil rights of those who are subject to such legislation. The failures to development adequately funded community-based mental health services and a series of inquiries in the 1990s led to the introduction of Community Treatment Orders in the 2007 reform of the MHA. Research limitations/implications The development of mental health policy has seen a shift towards more coercive approaches in mental health. Practical implications The successful reform of the MHA can only be accomplished alongside investment in community mental health services. Originality/value The paper highlights the tensions between the factors that contribute to mental health legislation reform.

Social Policy Considerations for Community Mental Health Services: A Curriculum Module Integrating Mental Health Research

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph L. Mosca
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Policy ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Community Mental Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Community Treatment ◽  
Traditional Service

This curriculum module is designed for use in an undergraduate social policy course. It focuses on mental health policy and its impact on services to the chronic mentally ill in the community. Relevant mental health research is integrated in order to provide a basis for comparing traditional service interventions with alternative approaches. Learning outcomes that are critical to social policy analysis are addressed to include: problem identification and analysis; policy reform proposals; implementation concerns; and assessment. These components of social policy are applied to mental health services by specifically comparing family-aided assertive community treatment to longstanding approaches associated with deinstitutionalization.

Co-production and involuntary psychiatric settings

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pilgrim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Critical Realism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Production Of Knowledge ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Immanent Critique ◽  
Health Legislation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the popular policy assumption of co-production is feasible in secure psychiatric settings. Design/methodology/approach The assumptions of co-production are listed and then used as a basis for an immanent critique to test the feasibility described in the purpose of the paper. An explanatory critique exploring consumerism in the welfare state then follows. These forms of critique are derived from the philosophy of critical realism. Findings A distinction is made between the co-production of knowledge about mental health services and the actual co-production of those services. It is concluded that the former has emerged but the latter is not feasible, given the limitations on citizenship imposed by psychiatric detention. Research limitations/implications Evidence for the co-production of mental health services (rather than the co-production of knowledge about those services) remains sparse. Practical implications The contradictions about citizenship created by the existence of mental health legislation and the social control role of mental health services requires ongoing honest reflects by mental health professionals and those responsible for the development of mental health services. Social implications As described above, mental health legislation pre-empts confidence in the co-production of mental health services. Originality/value Whilst there is a small literature on co-production and mental health services, alluded to at the outset, this paper uses immanent and explanatory critiques to deepen our understanding of the topic.

scholarly journals Service users’ perspective of their admission: a report of study findings

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. O’Donoghue ◽  
E. Roche ◽  
J. Lyne ◽  
K. Madigan ◽  
L. Feeney
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Procedural Justice ◽  
Community Mental Health Services ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Perceived Coercion ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation ◽  
Satisfaction With Services

ObjectivesThe ‘Service Users’ Perspective of their Admission’ study examined voluntarily and involuntarily admitted services users’ perception of coercion during the admission process and whether this was associated with factors such as the therapeutic alliance, satisfaction with services, functioning and quality of life. This report aims to collate the findings of the study.MethodsThe study was undertaken across three community mental health services in Ireland. Participants were interviewed before discharge and at 1 year using the MacArthur Admission Experience. Caregivers of participants were interviewed about their perception of coercion during the admission.ResultsA total of 161 service users were interviewed and of those admitted involuntarily, 42% experienced at least one form of physical coercion. Service users admitted involuntarily reported higher levels of perceived coercion and less procedural justice than those admitted voluntarily. A total of 22% of voluntarily admitted service users reported levels of perceived coercion comparable with involuntarily admitted service users and this was associated with treatment in a secure ward or being brought to hospital initially under mental health legislation. In comparison with the service user, caregivers tended to underestimate the level of perceived coercion. The level of procedural justice was moderately associated with the therapeutic relationship and satisfaction with services. After 1 year, 70% experienced an improvement in functioning and this was not associated with the accumulated level of coercive events, when controlled for confounders.ConclusionsThis study has provided valuable insights into the perceptions of coercion and can help inform future interventional studies aimed at reducing coercion in mental health services.

scholarly journals Mentally disordered young offenders in transition from child and adolescent to adult mental health services across England and Wales

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria I. Livanou ◽  
Vivek Furtado ◽  
Swaran P. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Adolescent Mental Health ◽  
Child And Adolescent ◽  
Young Offenders ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper provides an overview of transitions across forensic child and adolescent mental health services in England and Wales. The purpose of this paper is to delineate the national secure services system for young people in contact with the youth justice system. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews findings from the existing literature of transitions across forensic child and adolescent mental health services, drawing attention to present facilitators and barriers to optimal transition. The authors examine the infrastructure of current services and highlight gaps between child and adult service continuity and evaluate the impact of poor transitions on young offenders’ mental health and wellbeing. Findings Young offenders experience a broad range of difficulties, from the multiple interfaces with the legal system, untreated mental health problems, and poor transition to adult services. Barriers such as long waiting lists, lack of coordination between services and lack of transition preparation impede significantly smooth transitions. Research limitations/implications The authors need to develop, test and evaluate models of transitional care that improve mental health and wellbeing of this group. Practical implications Mapping young offenders’ care pathway will help to understand their needs and also to impact current policy and practice. Key workers in forensic services should facilitate the transition process by developing sustainable relationships with the young person and creating a safe clinical environment. Originality/value Transition of care from forensic child and adolescent mental health services is a neglected area. This paper attempts to highlight the nature and magnitude of the problems at the transition interface in a forensic context.

Francis, Berwick and culture change – an opportunity to engage patients and increase transparency in mental health

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Corlett
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Service Provision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Mental Health Service Provision

Purpose – The Policy Watch series reflects on recent and forthcoming developments in mental health policy across the UK. The purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in mental health policy, specifically the implications and learning for mental health services of recent scandals such as Mid Staffordshire and Winterbourne View and the various responses to them. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews and summarises recent developments in national mental health policy in England and their implications for mental health service provision. Findings – The paper outlines how learning from recent scandals such as Mid Staffordshire and Winterbourne View can be applied in mental health services. Originality/value – The paper updates and discusses recent policy developments in the NHS and their implications for mental health services.

scholarly journals An overview of mental health legislation in Singapore

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger C. Ho ◽  
Cyrus S. Ho ◽  
Nusrat Khan ◽  
Ee Heok Kua
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Capacity ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Mental Capacity Act ◽  
Health Legislation ◽  
The Relationship

This article summarises the development of mental health legislation in Singapore in three distinctive periods: pre-1965; 1965–2007 and 2007 onwards. It highlights the origin of mental health legislation and the relationship between mental health services and legislation in Singapore. The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008 and Mental Capacity Act 2008 are described in detail.

New World of Mental Health Legislation England and Wales David Jolley and Reinhard Heun

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
D. Jolley ◽  
R. Heun
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Community Treatment ◽  
List Type ◽  
Type Number ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation

After eight years of tortured negotiations between government, professional psychiatrists and lay pressure groups, England and Wales will begin to use new Mental Health Legislation November 2008. This will not be a new Mental Health Act, but a substantial modification of the 1983 act. There are nine key changes:1.A single definition of mental disorder: ‘any disorder of mind or brain’.2.Criteria for compulsion: ‘appropriate medical treatment’ test.3.Age-appropriate services: special arrangements for under 18 years.4.Professional roles: approved clinicians and responsible clinicians (non-medical).5.Nearest relative: recognises Civil Partnerships, allows displacement.6.Supervised Community Treatment Orders.7.Mental health Review Tribunal: unified.8.Advocacy: Independent Mental Health Advocates.9.ECT: new safeguards.The Code of Practice identifies five key principles:1.Purpose - to minimise adverse effects of Mental Disorder.2.Least Restriction.3.Respect - diverse needs, values and circumstances.4.Participation - involving patient in planning, developing and reviewing treatment and care.5.Effectiveness, efficiency and equity - optimal use of resources.Earlier drafts had been described as: ‘little more than a Public Oder Bill dressed up as Mental Health legislation’; ‘ethically unworkable and practically unworkable’. Much of the dissent related to suggestions that people with Personality Disorder behaving in a dangerous or antisocial way should be subject to compulsory detention. Fears included breach of liberties and Human Rights and transformation of Mental Health Services disadvantaging people with major mental illnesses.

Mental health social work reimagined

2019 ◽  
pp. 137-148
Author(s):  
Ian Cummins
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
New Community ◽  
Health Legislation ◽  
The Impact

The final chapter summarises the key themes of the book. It outlines the narratives that have underpinned reforms of mental health legislation examining moves towards a rights-based approach. The chapter explores the impact of austerity policies on mental health services and services users. The chapter concludes with a call for new community based approaches and a rejection of risk and bureaucratic managerialism.

scholarly journals 52 degrees south: mental health services in the Falkland Islands

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-33
Author(s):  
Karen Rimicans ◽  
Tim McInerny
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Falkland Islands ◽  
Clinical Team ◽  
Psychiatric Emergencies ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Remote Island ◽  
Island Community ◽  
Health Legislation

This article discusses the factors that have shaped the development of the new mental health legislation within the Falkland Islands. The process of implementing new legislation within this remote island community is discussed, including the aspirations underlying the new legislation, the management of psychiatric emergencies and the needs of the clinical team.

scholarly journals Significance of mental health legislation for successful primary care for mental health and community mental health services: A review

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Getinet Ayano
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation

Background: Mental health legislation (MHL) is required to ensure a regulatory framework for mental health services and other providers of treatment and care, and to ensure that the public and people with a mental illness are afforded protection from the often-devastating consequences of mental illness.Aims: To provide an overview of evidence on the significance of MHL for successful primary care for mental health and community mental health servicesMethod: A qualitative review of the literature on the significance of MHL for successful primary care for mental health and community mental health services was conducted.Results: In many countries, especially in those who have no MHL, people do not have access to basic mental health care and treatment they require. One of the major aims of MHL is that all people with mental disorders should be provided with treatment based on the integration of mental health care services into the primary healthcare (PHC). In addition, MHL plays a crucial role in community integration of persons with mental disorders, the provision of care of high quality, the improvement of access to care at community level. Community-based mental health care further improves access to mental healthcare within the city, to have better health and mental health outcomes, and better quality of life, increase acceptability, reduce associated social stigma and human rights abuse, prevent chronicity and physical health comorbidity will likely to be detected early and managed.Conclusion: Mental health legislation plays a crucial role in community integration of persons with mental disorders, integration of mental health at primary health care, the provision of care of high quality and the improvement of access to care at community level. It is vital and essential to have MHL for every country.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document