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Mental health

Dementia training lacking in most hospitals, study shows

Just 5% of hospitals in England and Wales require staff to undertake any specialist dementia training, research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows. The study of more than 200 hospitals found that eight in 10 had no system in place to ensure ward staff were aware of a patient's condition and how it might affect their care.

Mental health patients face legal aid delay

People with mental health problems are finding it increasingly difficult to get lawyers to represent them at tribunals because of changes to the legal aid system introduced by the Legal Services Commission.

Self harm hospital admissions rise

The number of hospital admissions for people who self harm rose to 104,340 in 2009/10. This is up 3% on the previous year and an 11% rise on figures for 2006/07. The report from the NHS Information Centre said self poisoning is the most likely reason for people to be admitted to hospital, frequently due to painkillers or prescription drugs.

Dementia training puts care staff in residents' shoes

A new experiential training programme is being undertaken by staff at a leading independent healthcare provider of care homes. It is designed to give staff a sense of empathy with their residents who have dementia, and to stop staff handing out unnecessary medication. Those taking part in the training are ignored, and fake pills are pushed down their throat without consent.

Mental health services risk breaching detained patients' human rights

In its first annual report on the use of the Mental Health Act the Care Quality Commission found mental health hospitals were placing unnecessary restrictions on patients' care.

Dementia care needs new focus

The Dementia Action Alliance, made up of charities, public and private organisations, has issued a list of seven key outcomes it believes should be delivered by 2014 when the National Dementia Strategy ends.

New report shows we still need to talk

A new report released by Mind for the We Need To Talk coalition has called on the Government to fulfil its promise to make psychological therapies available across the country to people who need them. Across England 1 in 5 people are still waiting over a year to access psychological therapies and access for children and people with severe mental illnesses remains limited.

Sharp rise in Mental Health Act detentions

The numbers of people being detained under the Mental Health Act rose by 1,692 in the last financial year according to figures published by the NHS information centre. The 3.5% increase brings the total people detained under the act to just under 50,000 in one year and represents the largest increase in three years.

Government to order action on 'chemical cosh' which kills thousands

Doctors will be told to stop prescribing too many medications which act as a "chemical cosh" for those with dementia, and shorten the lives of 1,800 people a year.

CQC publishes the views of 17,000 people using community mental health services

Some people who use community mental health services are still not getting the care and support that fully meets their needs, according to a survey published by the Care Quality Commission which captures the views of more than 17,000 people.

Farm work prescribed to Norfolk and Suffolk patients

In a trial aimed at helping patients with their rehabilitation GPs in Norfolk and Suffolk can refer patients with mental and physical health problems to take part in activities at a 'care farm'.

Care services minister outlines revised mental health strategy

In an article for Community Care Paul Burstow, Care Services Minister, outlines the link between poor mental health and deprivation and confirms the commencement of work to re-shape mental health strategy.

Young black women at increased risk of self-harm, study shows

Young, black women are significantly more likely to self-harm than people from other ethnic groups, according to new research published by the British Journal of Psychiatry.

New guidance on mental health and homelessness

Until homelessness services can recognise that many of their clients will have suffered emotional trauma, a lot of the help on offer will only scratch the surface.

Government's proposed Public health service should focus on mental health and offending

In a policy paper, Public Health and Criminal Justice, the Centre for Mental Health (formerly the Sainsbury Centre) concludes that offending and mental ill health often have the same causes and that Directors of Public Health will be in an ideal position to reduce the risks of both within their local communities.

Rethink report exposes mental health failings

A poll shows that the majority are regularly missing out on the treatment they are entitled to.

Psychological therapies offered across the NHS

Psychological therapies will continue to be rolled out across the NHS in the coming year Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced.

Professionals fail to comply with Mental Capacity Act

More than half of health and social care professionals are failing to comply with the Mental Capacity Act 2005's requirements when conducting assessments of capacity.

Why patients are saying 'I want to be bipolar'

Psychiatrist Dr Diana Chan explains that some people are actually asking to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Football proves to be a beautiful game for people with dementia

Football can help stimulate the recollections of some people who have dementia, a project has found.

National campaign thaws attitudes towards mental health

Employment discrimination against people with mental health problems in England falls significantly.

Destigmatising mental health problems

Rare crimes committed by people with schizophrenia shouldn't distract us from the benefits of care in the community.

Depression, a personal account

North West Mental Health Improvement Programme's Mental Health News published this article to mark Depression Awareness week (18- 24 April)

How true is the one-in-four mental health statistic?

For years it has been taken as fact that one in four people will suffer a mental health problem but the research is less conclusive.

Intervening behind closed doors

Should people with mental health problems be forced to accept help?

First 'Health and Criminal Justice Tsar' announced

Professor Louis Appleby will be the first National Clinical Director for Health and Criminal Justice.