Concerns over mental health trusts’ performance

Star ratings released by the Healthcare Commission this week show
that the performance of mental health trusts “remains a cause
for concern”, writes Sally
Gillen.

Figures reveal that more than a third still have one or no stars
and the commission said the quality of information available, which
is used to monitor the care of people with mental health problems,
needs improvement.

Chair of the Healthcare Commission Sir Ian Kennedy said the
information was “simply not good enough”.

Meanwhile, mental health charity Mind has welcomed the
establishment of a scrutiny committee for the revised draft mental
health bill, which is expected in September.

Chief executive Richard Brook said the charity would continue to
oppose controversial measures in the first draft, such as community
treatment orders, which would “have persecuted those most in
need of our support”.