Mind fears inertia on dual diagnosis

New guidance on improving services for people with mental health and substance misuse issues will be wasted if it is not backed by money and political will, Mind says.

The charity said progress was overdue on services for people with dual diagnosis, following government guidance published this week, which called for closer integration between mental health and substance misuse services.

But Mind head of policy Dr Marcus Roberts said the guidance issued in 2002, “wasn’t backed with the political will or resources to have a widespread effect”, and warned this one could go the same way.

In this week’s document, the Department of Health said all clinical staff in mental health services should be skilled in assessing and managing patients with substance misuse problems.

● Dual Diagnosis in Mental Health Inpatient and Day Hospital Settings