Press release: Mental Health Network responds to Healthcare Commission and CSCI report on adult specialist community mental health services

30 Jul 2007

Commenting on the report, Steve Shrubb, director of the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network, which represents the majority of mental health Trusts in England, said:

"It is very encouraging to see that most trusts are rated as good or excellent by the regulators in the service they provide to adult mental health service users in the community. Furthermore, it is clear to our members that the Local Implementation Teams, which pull together a whole range of local groups and providers, represent the best way forward in co-ordinating care.

"However, we must also focus on the clear message from the report that there are a number of areas for concern. Mental health trust leaders and I are determined to work with the Healthcare Commission and CSCI to address the variations in services and make sure that all service users get the best care possible."

Notes for editors

The Mental Health Network represents the majority of mental health trusts. It was launched in spring 2007 to provide a distinct voice for providers of NHS mental health services.

The NHS Confederation represents more than 90% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.

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