Legal News

Mental health charity Mind has responded to a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) about the need for a whole-government approach to mental health services.

Mind Chief Executive Paul Farmer said that mental health problems “do not exist in isolation” – and as such are not the sole responsibility of the NHS.

The PAC report concludes that much more needs to be done to improve NHS mental health services.

Mr Farmer said: “Mental health impacts on every aspect of your life from work and relationships to education and finances – the care and support offered needs to reflect this and span physical, social and mental health needs.

“For too long, mental health has not been given the priority that it deserves and has not been placed on an equal footing with physical health.

“It is the job of all the departments right across government to change this –
and to lay the foundations and funding for a more integrated approach to take place.

“The new Five Year Forward View for Mental Health called for a more joined up way of working – and recommended a cross-government plan that is now overdue.”

Mr Farmer added that the report underlines the urgent need for action, so that the all-round experience of mental health patients can be improved.

“Unfortunately, there’s still a long way to go before we see any big changes felt on the ground for the one in four of us experiencing a mental health problem in any given year,” said Mr Farmer.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available nationwide at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.