Minister calls for improvements to mental health services for BME patients
Written by admin on Monday, February 26, 2007 11:25
'Positive Steps' is launched
Rosie Winterton, MP, has called for "rapid improvement in the way mental health services respond to the needs of BME patients".
Launching 'Positive Steps' a new resource for health professionals at the Delivering Race Equality in Mental Healthcare (DRE) Conference in Coventry, the Minister of State for Health Services said:
"One in five people treated in hospital for a mental health problem comes from a black and minority ethnic background. Although some of the reasons for this - such as social exclusion - cannot be tackled by the NHS in isolation, we still have a moral and legal duty to do more.
"Some communities view mental health services with mistrust and are dissatisfied with their care.
"Our DRE action plan sets out very clearly what positive steps services need to take to address this situation. We have also backed this up with resources, such as funding to recruit 500 community development workers. Now, with the help of this new guidance, front-line professionals can play their part.
"I have written today to the NHS to say clearly that although many services are already leading the way, for those who are lagging behind there is no excuse for inaction."
'Positive Steps: Supporting race equality in mental healthcare' was produced with the help of mental health care staff and community workers and offers advice and support for better responding to the needs of BME patients.
The guide - which highlights good practice that already exists in the mental healthcare system - is part of the Government's five-year drive (Delivering Race Equality in Mental Health Care) to further improve services for these patients.
The guide also incorporates key mental health issues and religious and cultural needs for different ethnic groups, using needs for South Asian, African and Caribbean groups as examples. It also includes an extensive list of useful contacts, organisations and resources.
Commenting in support of the resource, Louis Appleby, National Director for Mental Health, said:
"Every person, whatever their background, should expect to receive the same high standard of care from mental health services. We know that 'One size does not fit all' and that if care is to be effective it should be tailored to an individual's needs. Evidence suggests that the treatment experience of patients from different sections of the community can vary. The reasons for this are complex. What we do know is that understanding the values, backgrounds and beliefs of specific communities, through engaging with these communities, can help to tailor the care provided to patients and help avoid simple misunderstandings that can prevent their needs from being fully met.
"This Positive Steps guide shares knowledge and best practice through DRE and I hope will give practitioners access to the many good ideas that are already making a difference to services across the country."
Comments (0)
No comments have been made, be the first to comment!