§ Mr. Kevin HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to ensure that users of mental health services are actively involved in discussions about who should be their care manager.
§ Mr. YeoThe White Paper, "Caring for People" stresses the importance of consulting mentally ill people, their relatives and carers about their care. The "Caring for People" policy guidance (HMSO ISBN 0 11 321338 7) specifies that the individual service user, and with his or her agreement any carers, should be involved throughout the assessment and care management process.
The "Health of the Nation" mental illness key area handbook for health and social services managers published in January this year gives managers practical advice on involving users and seeking their views. Copies of all the documents are available in the Library.