Important that the Mental Health Act is brought up to date and vital that it’s fully funded

Responding to the government’s consultation response to the White paper: Reforming the Mental Health Act, Sean Duggan the executive of chief executive of the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network, said:

“This response from the Government is a very welcome step and it is positive to see our new secretary of state for health and social care is prioritising mental health.

“It is really important that the Mental Health Act is brought up to date so that the voice of patients is strengthened, fewer people are detained and unacceptable disparities in the use of the Act on some BAME communities are reduced.

“The government rightly point out that some of the issues are particularly complex and require further consultation, including the rights of children and young people under the Act.

“It’s vital that any costs incurred as a result of the implementation of the new recommendations and legislation are fully funded and not taken from existing budgets, which are already very stretched.

“We hope to see the legislation published as soon as possible and look forward to working with our members to implement the reforms.”