Mind comments on Healthcare Commission Community Mental Health Survey

Posted Wednesday 10 September 2008

Commenting on the Healthcare Commission’s survey of mental health service users’ experiences of the Care Programme Approach, the Community Adult Mental Health Survey, Policy Officer Emily Wooster said:

"While today’s research shows that there have been some improvements, there are still significant numbers of people with long-term health needs who are not involved in planning their care, do not know who their care coordinator is, and don’t even own a copy of their care plan.

"Fundamental to the Care Programme Approach is that people are involved in designing their own care, but these figures show that nearly one in four people have no say in the treatment they receive, while a further 26 per cent don’t even know who is planning their care. Coordinated, tailored support is vital for caring for people with enduring mental health needs, and these are failings in principles that underlie the whole system.

"Mind has also raised concerns with the Department of Health about the changes to the Care Programme Approach, which will refocus to concentrate on supporting service users with the greatest needs, and may lead to many people being excluded from receiving coordinated care altogether."

Notes to editors

• Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress. 
• For more information, interviews and a range of case studies please contact Mind media office on T: 020 8522 1743 M: 07850 788514 E: media@mind.org.uk ISDN line available: 020 8221 0817
• Please note that Mind is not an acronym and should be set in title case.

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