Reform of the Mental Health Act: new laws must be backed by funding to deliver real change

The long awaited reform of the Mental Health Act moved a step closer to becoming law this week, after having its second reading in the House of Lords.

Here's a reminder of the some of the things which are changing. The Government say the legislation will:

· Stop police and prison being used to place people experiencing a mental health crisis
· Make it a legal requirement for each patient to have ‘care and treatment plans’ tailored and shaped by their individual needs, that make it clear what is needed to progress them to discharge
· Ensure patients have a voice in their care, recognising the critical role that families and carers can play in keeping patients safe by providing insight and knowledge of a patient’s wishes and preferences - including when a patient is too unwell to express this themselves
· The bill will also give patients the right to elect a person to represent their interests and greater access to advocacy when they are detained under the Mental Health Act.

Whilst the reforms will bring the Mental Health Act inline with the 21st century, we must ensure that the sector is properly planned, resourced and funded, and continuously evolves to support the changing mental health needs of all patients, especially the most vulnerable who are so often overlooked and let down.