The National Policy on Mental Health

The national policy for mental health is underpinned by the National Service Framework for Mental Health. This document, described on this website, is now five years old and is scheduled to be in place for another five years (until 2009).
 
The framework came from a consultation document ‘Modernising Mental Health Services’. In this document the government committed itself to a ‘modern, decent and inclusive ... vision for mental health services’.
 
This vision included three main principles, promoting independence, improving protection and raising standards. It also comments on the governments desire for the NHS and Social Services to work closer together (also called ‘integrated services’). Much of this came from recognition of mistakes that had been made in the past, such as poor management, differing services in different areas, staffing problems and an outdated legal system.
 
The same consultation document also meant that an organisation called the National Institute for Clinical Excellence came into being. This was to ensure that clear and authoritative guidance is available on the most effective drugs and therapies.
 
Many changes have occurred over the last five years. The system is still in the process of adapting to the 21st century and many documents and policy guidelines have emerged from varying organisations during that time. However they are all based on two main documents, ‘Modernising Mental Health Services, HM Government, 1998’ and ‘Journey to Recovery, HM Government, 1999’. These two documents are an excellent start to anyone interested in how mental health policy is evolving in this country.