Inequality in mental health care

Mental Health Nursing,  May 2003  

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Mental health services are not meeting the needs of black and minority ethnic communities and reform is necessary to combat discrimination.

This is the conclusion of a report published by the National Institute for Mental Health. Inside Outside: Improving Mental Health Services for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in England makes a number of recommendations. These aim to eliminate ethnic inequalities in mental health services and introduce closer links with the community.

Recommendations include providing staff with mandatory cultural awareness training, monitoring services to an agreed set of standards, involving more people from ethnic minorities in service development and introducing 500 community development workers.

Inside Outside was compiled by specialists led by Professor Sashi Sashidharan, medical director of North Birmingham Mental Health Trust. To download the report visit the NIMHE website at www.nimhe.org.uk.

Social exclusion

The Government's Social Exclusion Unit is to focus on how adults with mental health problems can access employment.

Barbara Roche, Minister for Social Exclusion and Equality said worklessness and mental health problems featured strongly in social exclusion.

'One in six adults have some form of mental health problem and this can lead to a cycle of disadvantage. Many want to work and participate fully in society but are being denied this opportunity and remain on the margins.

'Communities will only be sustainable if they are fully inclusive and cut to the core of social exclusion and poverty. This new programme of work is vital to realising that goal.'

Antidepressant study

Zispin (mirtazapine) works faster, producing better quality sleep than paroxetine, argues the first long-term comparison of novel anti-depressants in a primary care setting. The results of the survey were published last month in International Clinical Psychopharmacology. The study, which included 28 practices in the UK, was led by GP investigators from greater Glasgow. It claims that mirtazapine achieved a greater number of responders and more patient remissions.

New director

Lincoln has been chosen to host the new East Midlands Regional Development Centre by the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE). The centre is dedicated to pioneering advancements in the field of mental health and social care.

Carolyn Steele, the new director is currently director of partnerships at NIMHE and senior policy advisor at the Department of Health, where she has been working for three years. Before joining the Department, she was the Director of Mental Health and Clinical Director at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Mental incapacity campaign

The Making Decisions Alliance has launched its campaign to press the Government to introduce legislation on mental capacity into the Queen's Speech this Autumn.

This issue is of particular importance to anyone with, or caring for, dementia, severe learning disabilities, severe mental health problems, or illnesses which affect someone's ability to make decisions about their lives.

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association May 2003
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