BEST PRACTICE FOR PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Early day motion 263, tabled 3 December 2002 by Lynne Jones (Labour). Signed by 156 members.

That this House welcomes the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's Technology Appraisal Guidance No. 43 on the use of newer, atypical antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia, issued in June 2002; believes that the guidance is a real step forward in delivering better care for those with schizophrenia; recognises the importance of ensuring that patients have an informed choice about their treatment options; recalls the NHS' statutory obligation to ensure that all NICE recommendations are implemented within three months of issue; notes the concerns raised at the Rethink severe mental illness conference, Only the Best in December 2002 over the slowness of implementation; and urges NHS trusts, health authorities and primary care trusts to ensure that sufficient funding is made available to implement the NICE guidance quickly and effectively to improve the lives of those with schizophrenia.

Signatures by party: Labour 85, Liberal Democrat 27, Conservative 25, Labour/Co-operative 8, Plaid Cymru 4, DUP 3, UUP 3, Independent Conservative 1.