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Peers set to debate crucial amendment to Health and Social Care Bill
Posted Tuesday 28 February 2012
On Wednesday 29 February, peers will be debating an amendment to the Bill put forward by Lord Patel of Bradford. The proposed amendment addresses Clause 39 of the Bill, which talks about section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
This section means that primary care trusts and local authorities have a duty to work together to provide medical and social care following someone being sectioned.
Clause 39 would remove this joint duty and Mind is worried that this will mean that care decisions will be taken separately, leading to parts of the care package being removed without the other provider being informed, seriously damaging an individual’s recovery.
It may also mean that, unlike now, patients have to pay for the vital services they receive.
Tweet your support
If you would like to add your backing to the amendement, tweet your support using the tag #Clause39.
#Healthbill debate today includes crucial amendment 136A. We need to protect the care you get once discharged from a section #Clause39
Further reading
- Mind's Parliamentary Manager Louise Kirsh explained what this would mean in practice on the Guardian.
Download the briefing for Peers (MS Word)