This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Mental Welfare Commission report
06/11/2001
Promoting better mental health, especially among young people, will remain one of the key health priorities for the NHS, the Executive confirmed today as the Mental Welfare Commission published its annual report for 2000-2001.
Deputy Health and Community Care Minister Malcolm Chisholm said the need to improve mental health services was one of the biggest challenges Scotland faced.
The MWC report recognises the significant developments which are taking place in the care and treatment of people with a mental disorder, but highlights the need for better co-ordination of young people's services.
Mr Chisholm said:
"Mental health has been neglected for too long. The Executive has made better mental health one of our 'top three' health priorities, and why this year we have taken a number of significant steps to address the issue.
"Today's Mental Welfare Commission report highlights the need to provide better services to young people. It finds that services at the moment are often patchy. We recognise this problem, as do many working in mental health services and beyond.
"That is why last week, Ministers for Health, Education and Social Justice jointly launched an Action Plan on integrated children's services. This aims to tackle the many of the areas that the Commission highlights, to provide a joined-up' service so that health services, education and social work all team up effectively to offer better support for young people.
"Much has been achieved already. At the start of October, I launched our draft framework on suicide and self- harm, as one part of a £4 million campaign to promote better mental health. This will support more work with young people to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging them to recognise problem signs and seek help earlier.
"The Framework also proposes local champions to work with local bodies to co-ordinate action and address factors in their area which may lead to mental health issues.
"Across the wider mental heath agenda, the Commission highlights the range of work we have undertaken this year. The Adults with Incapacity Act makes it easier to support people with incapacity that may be due to mental disorder, and the Regulation of Care Act lays down higher standards of care. These are two very significant pieces of legislation which would have taken much longer to bring in before devolution.
"And last month, we set out proposals for the most fundamental overhaul of Scotland's mental health laws for 40 years. We have set out legislative proposals for clearer, fairer, safer laws for patients, carers and health professionals that reflect a balance of rights and responsibilities for a 21 st century society. A new Mental Health Bill will be brought forward early next year.
"Investment. Innovative ways of working. And new legislation. All are testimony to our commitment on mental health. We will continue to work with the Commission to maintain the drive to improve mental health services, championing success, but also highlighting problems and the actions needed to address them."
The Framework for Mental Health Services was published in December 2000. It encourages all care agencies to improve the profile of mental health services and to educate the public about the genuine contribution people with mental health problems can make to their local communities.
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