Press Release From the Welsh Assembly Government
The Welsh Assembly Government today took a step forward (3 September) in its drive to ensure people who use mental health services and their carers are fully involved in the planning and delivery of those services.
From the Assembly Government
Users and carers to have their say on mental health Services
Minister for Health and Social Services Jane Hutt announced the launch of a good practice document called 'Stronger in Partnership' which provides guidance on involving service users and carers in the design, planning, delivery and evaluation of mental health services in Wales.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of User Survivor Network today, Jane Hutt said: "I am determined to ensure that people who use mental health services and their carers are genuinely and constructively involved in all aspects of mental health services. And 'Stronger in Partnership' should help ensure this happens.
"Nobody is better placed than those receiving care to tell providers which services are working well or could be improved, and how improvements can be made.
"The guidance launched today are just part of our plans to ensure mental health stays at the top of the health agenda and for it to remain there. I hope that anyone with an interest in how mental health services are delivered will adopt the measures set out in this guidance"
Notes
* Copies of the guidance document will be issued to all Local Health Boards, NHS Trusts, Social Sevices Departments as well as to the voluntary sector and service user and carer groups. It will be available from 24th September 2004.
* The Welsh Assembly Government published its adult mental health services National Service Framework (NSF) in 2002. The principal aim of the NSF is to drive up quality and reduce unacceptable variations in health and social services provision. It establishes the practical guidelines that will ensure consistent and comprehensive implementation of the strategy's vision across Wales
* Standard Two of the NSF requires the NHS and local authorities to introduce arrangements to ensure constructive user and carer participation in the planning, design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of mental health services.
3 September 2004
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