Press release: NHS Confederation comments on extra funding for child psychiatric wards

15 Nov 2007

Commenting on the announcement of extra money by Ivan Lewis MP, Steve Shrubb, the director of the NHS Confederation's Mental Health Network which represents the majority of mental health trusts, said:

"It is very encouraging to see that the requirement in the new Mental Health Act to provide age appropriate settings is being backed up with extra resources.  It may not be the whole solution but it is good to see words backed up with actions.
 
"This will give us an opportunity to be truly innovative about the mental health facilities we want to create so we can deliver on both the letter and the spirit of the bill.

"The main aim of mental health services is to stop people having to use these kinds of facilities.  This is especially important for young people so we can stop problems before they ruin lives."

Notes for editors

1. 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. 
2. The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% 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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