The Law Society has warned that proposed changes to the mental health system must be properly funded to be effective.
Following publication of the Mental Health Act White Paper in January 2021, the regulator has stressed that for the reform to be successful it needs significant monetary backing.
In order to succeed the proposed reforms that require substantial extra resources include:
-reducing compulsory detention
-transferring prisoners to secure hospitals within a 28-day time limit
-extending tribunals’ powers and increasing opportunities to appeal
-increasing the role of independent mental health advocates to support patients throughout their journey
-enhanced provision for community-based after-care support and treatment, together with statutory care plans
-modernised hospital environments to provide truly therapeutic environments for patients.
The government consultation closes on 21 April 2021.
