The move reflects an increased focus on improving the mental health of offenders and develops responsibilities from Professor Appleby’s current work as National Clinical Director for Mental Health Services.
Professor Appleby will champion the Government’s action plan ‘Improving Health, Supporting Justice’, which set out measures to get health and criminal justice services working together more effectively. It aims to address health and social care problems as early as possible in a person’s contact with the criminal justice system and to develop more effective interventions for offenders. This will be achieved by working closely with the cross government Health and Criminal Justice Programme Board.
His deputy, Dr Hugh Griffiths, will take on responsibility for wider mental health issues as an interim appointment to ensure that momentum is not lost in the implementation of ‘New Horizons’, the long-term strategy to improve mental health services across the country.
Louis Appleby played a central role in plans to reform mental health services, bringing in a range of new services including home treatment, early intervention and assertive outreach teams, and mental health legislation. He has led numerous initiatives including work to reduce suicides and improve the physical environment of mental health wards. Since 1996 he has been Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manchester and since 1991 a consultant psychiatrist in Manchester. He was awarded a CBE for services to medicine in the 2006 New Year Honors.
Download Louis Appleby’s letter
For more information visit the Department of Health’s website http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Pressreleasesarchive/DH_114478