GOVERNMENT RECORD ON MENTAL HEALTH

Early day motion 742, tabled 13 February 2003 by Liam Fox (Conservative). Signed by 40 members.

That this House notes with grave disquiet the widespread general concern amongst mental health professionals, users and carers that the Government is not delivering improvement in access to mental health services and the treatment of mental illness; is extremely concerned that promised Government funding is still not reaching those who deliver mental health services and that, therefore, government promises on mental health, including targets on workforces numbers and outreach teams will not be met in their current form; calls upon the Government to bring forward a bill on mental health to address the current shortfalls in existing legislation as soon as possible; urges the Government in particular to make provision in legislation for mental health users to make use of advance statements; and demands that in drawing up a bill on mental health, the Government first and foremost considers the rights of mental health service users to prompt assessment and dignified treatment which is the least restrictive and invasive that is appropriate and necessary.

Signatures by party: Conservative 38, DUP 1, UUP 1.