§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to ensure that psychiatric patients in the community take their medicines. [75480]
§ Jacqui SmithDevelopment of robust community-based mental health provision is the key to ensuring that patients adhere to their care plans.
501WThe NHS Plan pledged to establish a total of 220 assertive outreach teams by December 2003. There are 180 teams in operation at present. These teams provide services to people with a mental illness in the community who have difficulty engaging with mainstream mental health services.
Another NHS Plan initiative is to create crisis resolution teams which provide intensive support for people in a mental health crisis in their own homes. These teams are designed to offer prompt and effective home treatment, including medication, in order to prevent hospital admissions. A total of 335 crisis resolution teams will be established by 2004 when all people in contact with specialist mental health services will be able to access crisis resolution teams at any time.
Although, community-based teams can support and encourage patients to adhere to their care plans, they currently cannot compel them to do so. The draft Mental Health Bill contains proposals so that patients who meet the criteria for treatment under compulsion might remain at home, supported by an outreach service, rather than having to be detained in hospital. Patients will not be forcibly treated in their own homes. These patients will be subject to conditions authorised by the independent mental health tribunal to ensure that they comply with their individual care plan, including where necessary taking medication.