Scottish Government

Covering Letter

Healthcare Policy and Strategy Directorate

Alex McMahon, Head Mental Health Delivery and Services Delivery
Unit/Mental Health Nursing & Learning Disability Advisor

T: 0131-244 2816 F: 0131-244 5076
E: alex.macmahon@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

5 February 2008

Dear Colleague

MENTAL HEALTH IN SCOTLAND

CONSULTATION: IMPROVING THE PHYSICAL HEALTH OF THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

I am writing to advise you that the Scottish Government is undertaking a consultation on the draft report, I mproving thePhysical Health of Those with Mental Illness.

The 2006 published targets and commitments for mental health in Scotlandwww.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/01/09114002/0include an undertaking at Commitment 5 to take steps to improve the physical health of with severe and enduring mental illness.

A draft report is now available for consultation with a view to final publication later this year once all comments and suggestions received have been considered. The draft report (and all other Scottish Government current consultation documents) can be viewed online on at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations. This consultation closes on Wednesday 14 May 2008.

(Freephone 0800 77 1234 will advise on your nearest public internet access point).

Formats

This document is available in a range of formats. Please contact Mike Murray (see below) to arrange this. If you require this document in a community language see Annex C.

Draft Report

Among other issues the draft report covers and includes: the evidence base on the need for change; aspects of care management; proposals for review of performance; steps to ensuring equity and other dimensions. The report also makes 6 clear recommendations for forward attention and action to bring about early change and improvement.

The report when published will be the outcome of that action, will provide the basis for a planning and audit tool for planners, commissioners and others in their combined work to deliver change and improvement in the way services respond to the physical health needs of those with mental illness.

Other Written responses

Written responses are also invited to this consultation by the Wednesday 14 May 2008

closing date and should be addressed to:

Mike Murray

Email responses

Please send your comments by e-mail to mike.d.murray@scotland.gsi.gov.uk by the same closing date.

Handling your response

We will need to know whether you are content for others to see your response. Please complete and return the attached Respondent Information Form with your response or if responding on line you will be invited to indicate your preference in this regard.

All respondents should be aware that the Scottish Government is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and is bound to consider any request made to it under the Act for information relating to responses made to this consultation exercise.

Disclosure

The responses from those content that their comments be seen by others will be made available for public viewing in the Scottish Government Library and on the Scottish Government web pages shortly after the closing date.

Arrangements to view responses can be made by contacting the Scottish Government Library (early July 2008) on 0131 244 4565. If you wish, the responses can be copied and sent to you, but a charge may be made for this service.

Analysis and outcomes

Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help us reach a decision on the final shape of the report. We aim to issue the final report before the year end.

Comments on process

If you have any comments about how this consultation exercise is being conducted, please contact Mike Murray (see contact details above).

Wider arrangements

Finally and more generally, the Scottish Government has an email alert system for consultations ( SEconsult: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/seconsult.aspx). Once registered you will receive a weekly email containing details of all new consultations (including web links).

These arrangements complement, but in no way replace existing distribution lists or arrangements.

Yours faithfully

ALEX MCMAHON