The Royal College of Psychiatrists remains very concerned about
the Government's proposed mental health legislation. The newly
published second Draft for the Mental Health Bill has not taken
into account the College's grave anxieties in terms of civil
liberties, ethics, practicality and effectiveness.
'This proposed legislation would further distance the practice
of psychiatry from the rest of medicine and ensure that people with
mental health problems have less rights than people with physical
illnesses, " said Dr Mike Shooter, President of the College.
'We recognise that government has made some welcome, but
limited changes, particularly by removing Community Treatment
Orders (CTOs) in prisons, and on the use of CTOs on a person's
first admission for compulsory treatment."
'We are worried, however, that the Bill will extend the use of
compulsory powers to a wider group of patients than is medically
necessary, thus putting greater pressure on psychiatric services
and the existing workforce, and infringing people's human
rights.
This is particularly the case for people who have physical
illnesses with mental health complications - for example epilepsy,
or multiple sclerosis and for people with alcohol or other
substance misuse problems"
'The College calls for new legislation which should be about
improving patient care (including safety), patient choice and
involvement in their care and treatment, and about reducing stigma
and discrimination. Only in this way can we encourage people to
seek help early without fear of scorn, humiliation, loss of status,
freedom, job and friends" stated Dr Tony Zigmond, Vice-President of
the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
'The current proposals, with their emphasis on coercion, will
make people reluctant to seek help. They will also deter doctors
and nurses from working in this branch of medicine."
'We will continue working closely with the users, carers
organisations and mental health charities in the Mental Health
Alliance to improve the proposals and will shortly be giving
evidence to the Scrutiny Committee of MPs and Peers convened to
review the draft Bill," concludes Dr Shooter.
Dr Tony Zigmond, Vice President of the Royal College of
Psychiatrists, will be available for interview at the College
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127