CPNA looks to the future in Bournemouth

Mental Health Nursing,  Mar 2003  

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Whatever you think of Chinese philosophy, the encouragement to 'live in interesting times' is timely for mental health.

That is the key point of CPNA chair Sharon Duncan's annual report. But as members of the CPNA gather at Bournemouth, next month, for the annual professional conference, they will be considering change both externally and internally. Both should prove extremely interesting and, hopefully, productive.

The reformation of mental health legislation, Sharon says, with its strong emphasis on both community and carer/user involvement will affect us all, and how we practise.

'Agenda for Change, hailed as 'the biggest shake up to happen to the NHS since its inception in 1948', will affect both how we operate and how we are rewarded for such practice.'

But the CPNA itself faces a monumental change in how it views others and itself in the field of mental health nursing. The blurring of distinctions between community and acute as therapies and treatments become more sophisticated, has thrown down a great challenge. Mental Health Nursing journal has already pointed the way with its own change of name and an increase in material looking at acute and in-patient settings.

Sharon adds: 'A change of name and outlook has been long overdue and will be reflected in transformation of both the structure of the organisation and in the organisation of the structure.'

At another level, parent union MSF has also faced such metamorphosis, merging with the AEEU to form the stronger Amicus. There is a newly appointed national officer for health, Gail Cartmail, with a strong health background.

The conference at Bournemouth itself reflects the gradual development of this event in recent years. For the first time, it will take place in a purpose-built conference centre offering exhibitions, workshops and plenaries under one roof. The high quality of the presentations will be maintained.

Speakers include Matt Muijen of the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, Malcolm Rae of the acute services task force and Rachel Perkins of the adult services directorate at St George's mental Health Trust.

The theme of the conference is inclusivity and it seeks to reach out not just to mental health nurses but other professionals - psychologists and occupational therapists for instance.

Labour relations surgeries and cyber cafe tutorials will enhance the experience. To emphasise the 'inclusive' theme, there is capacity for partners to visit Bournemouth and partner activities are planned.

Sharon comments: 'Change can be difficult, threatening, exhilarating and challenging and is something we all have to deal with in our day to day working lives. In particular we struggle when we perceive that the change is for change sake and will demonstrate no real progress.

'We cannot possibly foresee all the adjustments we are going to have to make but having an association which is truly representative of all Mental Health nurses is one I personally am looking forward to and welcome the opportunity of such a challenge.'

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association Mar 2003
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