HC Deb 17 March 2003 vol 401 cc559-60W
Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the National Service Framework for Adult Mental Health and its subsequent implementation guidelines for schizophrenia; who is responsible for the implementation; and if he will make a statement. [102686]

Jacqui Smith

The national service framework (NSF) for mental health, published in 1999, is a 10-year programme of reform and investment in mental health services and is being implemented in accordance with its targets and milestones.

The implementation of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline on schizophrenia will build on the NSF and should form part of the service development plans for each local health community in England.

The priorities and planning framework for the national health service in England 2003–06 sets key targets for improvements in mental health services including compliance with relevant NICE technology appraisals and clinical guidelines.