People will be able to say what type of treatment they want or nominate someone to make important decisions on their behalf. Under the new proposals, someone with bipolar disorder, for example, can plan their care with the help of health professionals and family when they are feeling well, so this can be put into action if they are ever detained. The changes to the law are part of a plan to “transform mental healthcare for everyone”, regardless of whether they are struggling with low mood or suffering serious mental illness.

Ministers will investigate how to reduce the number of ethnic minority people who are held under the Mental Health Act.

Black people are reportedly four times more likely to be detained than white people.

The Government aims to publish a white paper on mental health by the end of the year.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our mental health act is over 30 years old and needs to be brought into the 21st century. It’s vital that patients are given greater control and respect over their care all part of treating mental health with the same urgency as our physical health.

“There will always be occasions when detention under the Mental Health Act is the right approach, but our current laws have not seen any significant change for decades.This legislation is being carefully crafted with experts.

“Alongside wider reforms it will help to turn the tide and give patients a vital say in how they are treated.Any person living with acute mental illness or reaching crisis should feel that they are being listened to and that they are in control of their own treatment and future.”

People will be able to set out preferences for care and treatment through statutory “advance choice documents”. The proposed reforms follow on from the work of Sir Simon Wessely’s recent review of the 1983 Mental Health Act.

The changes will be backed up with more cash for mental health services.At least a further £2.3billion a year is promised by 2023-24.

Source: Read Full Article