Health 'chaos' fears

Mental health solicitors this week warned the government that there is 'chaos and danger' ahead for patients, relatives and the public if it pushes ahead with proposals to overhaul the law in the area.

In its response to consultation on the mental health Bill, the Mental Health Lawyers Association (MHLA) criticised the shift from guaranteed support for patients to a culture of compulsion.

It particularly hit out at an 'unacceptably broad' definition of mental disorder and the erosion of the right to legal representation, and expressed concern about wider powers given to the mental health review tribunal.

This would allow tribunals to cancel a consultant's rights to let the patient into the community at a review of detention; the MHLA said this would make patients wary of even requesting a review.

The MHLA called on the government to shift the emphasis onto improving aftercare services, drawing on resources from the health authorities and councils, and involving agencies ranging from social workers to supported housing providers.

Chairman Richard Charlton said members were 'extremely anxious' about the changes, which had contributed to around two-thirds of its members thinking again about working in the field.

'These proposals will lead to chaos and a greater danger to patients, their families and to the community in general,' he warned.

'If the government has any sense at all it will listen to the people who will implement these reforms - if it doesn't, the system will break down.'

Paula Rohan