Government introduces mental health bill

The Department of Health has announced the introduction of a mental health bill aimed at enhancing protection for both patients and members of the public.

Included in the bill is provision for the supervision of treatment of patients in the community to guarantee that therapy continues to be administered upon discharge from hospital.

Furthermore, the bill aims to introduce improved rights and protection for around 5,000 patients with severe mental disorders not capable of making their own decisions regarding their care who are not currently covered by mental health laws.

Rosie Winterton, health minister, said: “This bill will help ensure that people with serious mental health problems receive the treatment they need to protect them and others from harm.

“It will also strengthen patient safeguards and ensure human rights are protected.”

She added that the government was already engaged in the modernisation of health services, with the new bill part of a broader strategy for the reform and improvement of mental healthcare in the UK.

However, the Guardian has reported that the Mental Health Alliance and some opposition MPs oppose the bill, with mental health charity Mind arguing that there is a greater need for community programs that provide patients with better support and aftercare when released from hospital.