Challenge of Mental Health Care In Focus

The treatment and care of those suffering mental health problems is in the spotlight this week with the Stormont Health Minister Edwin Poots officially receiving the second Annual Report from the Bamford Monitoring Group (BMG).

It is intended to capture the views and experiences of both members of the public and from those with mental health needs or learning disabilities and their families and carers on changes resulting from the Bamford Review.

Speaking at Stormont, the Minister said: "The BMG is playing a key role in ensuring the Bamford Review results in meaningful change for service users and carers.

"It is clear that they are striving to gather the views of as many people as possible who are impacted by the delivery of the Bamford Vision.

"I intend to study the report in detail before discussing it with Ministerial colleagues and colleagues in the HSC in order to consider the steps which need to be taken by everyone as we move forward," said the DUP Minister.

Minister Poots concluded: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor McKenna, and all the members of the Bamford Monitoring Group, for the hard work they have put in over the last 12 months."

The Group is chaired by Professor Hugh McKenna and has equal representation from service users, carers and Patient and Client Council members, who meet on a monthly basis.

It has been established by the Patient and Client Council with the main duties being to involve the public in assessing progress on implementation across Government of 'Delivering the Bamford Vision'.

It is also to engage with the Health and Social Care Taskforce and other relevant groups and to support the public, people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, their families and carers in making recommendations as to how implementation could be improved.

Finally, it is to advise the Minister on any specific aspects of mental health and learning disability service commissioning, delivery or outcomes as appropriate to the Bamford Review, reporting annually to Minister and to provide a work plan.

(BMcC/GK)