Professional officer's report

Mental Health Nursing,  Mar/Apr 2002  by Rogers, Brian

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It is clear that the pace of change within the NHS in general and mental health in particular continues apace, with an even greater impetus since the general election. Although it may appear that some changes might be on the 'back burner', others are very much to the fore.

The review of mental health legislation in England and Wales appears to be one such case. Although no apparent activity is taking place, much work behind the scenes at the Department of Health continues. More overt activity is taking place in Scotland.

There are certain to be new roles and responsibilities for community mental health nurses as a result of new legislation and CPNA must be ready to address them. These will include more powers such as involvement with sectioning and more explicit care co-ordination. Such new roles are inevitable, and must be addressed.

Nurse prescribing will also find itself higher up the agenda, as will the greater importance of nurse consultants and modern matrons. More integrated working, partnership and blurring of roles will also figure highly. CPNA must position itself to tackle these issues for its members.

My work since the last AGM in March 2001 has been largely focused on ensuring that CPNA is engaged with bodies and organisations that have an influence over such change. The maintenance and development of relationships with government departments throughout the UK, other professional organisations and independent and voluntary sectors groups and alliances have been significant.

Growing the profile of the CPNA is always an important role, and the Association continues to attract growing attention. Whilst the media has not been full of mental health tragedies (thankfully) this year, CPNA is always amongst the first to offer, and be asked to offer, its comments and views on topics of the moment.

The work of the Association's National Executive Council and its associated committees has been more efficient following the changes agreed in 2000 and implemented at the beginning of 2001. The work undertaken by these groups has taken the Association to greater heights and will only promise to do even more. May I thank all of those who have given so much time and effort to the work of the CPNA. I would wish to give an especial vote of thanks to Sharon Duncan, chair of the campaigns and representation group, and Caris Vardy, chair of the education and practice group. Their enthusiasm has been inspirational.

Finally, I would wish to thank Mandy Reed, retiring UK chair, for her commitment over her term of office. She has led the Association successfully through a period of both internal and external change.

Brian Rogers, Professional officer,

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association Mar/Apr 2002
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