Fair Deal

 

 

Fundingunding of mental health research and services needs to increase. Funding should more fairly reflect the costs of mental health problems in society and the need for improved knowledge of mental disorders.

 

Discriminationiscrimination and stigma need to be tackled throughout society. The NHS should lead by example in promoting equality and human rights in all of its work as an employer and provider of health services.

 

Accessccess to services should be made easier across the lifespan for all people with mental health problems. The most overlooked groups include those in transition from adolescent to adult services, older people, prisoners, people with learning disabilities, and those with substance misuse problems.

 

Engagementngagement with service users and carers must be meaningful not tokenistic. People with direct experience of mental health problems or a learning disability should have a central role in the design and delivery of mental health services.

 

In-patientn-patient services should be improved, with sufficient capacity for patients to be admitted locally into an appropriate ward. Improvements in ward conditions and the expansion of child and adolescent and intensive care beds are key.

 

 

Availabilityvailability of psychological therapies should be equitably implemented across all ages, patient groups and settings. A particular focus is needed on older people, hospital in-patients, and prisoners.

 

Recovery ecovery and rehabilitation should be integral to mental health care and treatment. A coherent policy based on recovery orientated practice is needed for people experiencing long-term mental health problems.   Linkinginking mental and physical health must be part of every doctor’s practice.This will require education, training, and collaborative working between mental health and other medical specialties.
© 2008 Royal College of Psychiatrists