Mental health bill returns to Commons
MPs are debating mental health proposals
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Monday, 18, Jun 2007 04:19
Health campaigners have called on MPs to make further amendments to the proposed mental health bill as it returns to the Commons for its report stage.
Last week the health minister Rosie Winterton announced a number of amendments to the mental health bill following concerns that it posed a threat to people's freedom and was inappropriate for children.
These changes were broadly welcomed by campaigners, but there are still a number of areas which continue to raise concern.
The Mental Health Alliance (MHA) said that MPs need to vote for further changes to the bill to ensure that these concerns are met.
In particular the alliance, which represents 75 members, would like to see further restrictions to the controversial community treatment orders (CTOs), which can force people to accept treatment and limitations on their lifestyles if doctors believe they need care.
"The new CTOs are the broadest we have seen in the English speaking world - including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand," said Alliance chairman Andy Bell.
"MPs can vote today to ensure people subject to a CTO can appeal against the restrictions they must live under. They can vote to give people the right to say (when they are well) how they would like to be treated when they are ill and to choose which family member will be there to support them if they are detained."
He added that the MHA hoped the bill's current stage in parliament would see "further progress to a bill that both upholds people's rights and protects both patients and the public".
Paul Farmer, chief executive of the mental health charity Mind, said: "Last week's amendments were very welcome.
"Giving people a right to an assessment of their mental health needs would be an excellent further step forward, and bring us up to the high standard set by Scottish mental health legislation. People are still routinely knocked back by overstretched mental health services when they first seek help."