A YouGov poll just published found that the public do not support proposed laws that would make it easier to detain and treat people with mental health problems against their wishes.
The poll, commissioned by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, showed that:
The poll, commissioned by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, showed that:
72% do not think that people with mental health problems should be forced to have ‘treatment’ from which they cannot benefit.
68% do not believe that hospitals should be used to detain people with mental health problems if they cannot benefit from treatment and have committed no crime.
These poll results have been released in advance of this week’s second reading of the Mental Health Bill in the House of Commons. The Government has indicated that it intends to force through amendments to the current Bill. The Royal College of Psychiatrists believes that this would bring far more people who cannot benefit from ‘treatment’ within the scope of mental health legislation and make it more likely people would be detained and treated inappropriately.
Professor Sheila Hollins, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said “The House of Lords has made some very sensible amendments to the Bill, which if retained would lead to fair and effective mental health legislation fit for the 21st Century. We call on the Government and all MPs not to overturn these amendments in The Commons.”
68% do not believe that hospitals should be used to detain people with mental health problems if they cannot benefit from treatment and have committed no crime.
These poll results have been released in advance of this week’s second reading of the Mental Health Bill in the House of Commons. The Government has indicated that it intends to force through amendments to the current Bill. The Royal College of Psychiatrists believes that this would bring far more people who cannot benefit from ‘treatment’ within the scope of mental health legislation and make it more likely people would be detained and treated inappropriately.
Professor Sheila Hollins, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said “The House of Lords has made some very sensible amendments to the Bill, which if retained would lead to fair and effective mental health legislation fit for the 21st Century. We call on the Government and all MPs not to overturn these amendments in The Commons.”
8 comments:
I'm sure that mental health will be in the news alot this week after the American killing, but they have human rights as well!
The Commons doesn't always spurn the opinions of the Other Place. In fact I believe it is more like that they will be heeded. Lets hope so this time.
Throughout its life, our dear Government has seemed hell-bent on proving the truth of H L Mencken's dictum that for every complex problem there is a solution that is neat, plausible, and wrong.
If the Lords is a good revising chamber (which I think it is) then its suggestions should not be so easily swept aside by the narcissist Blair. We need more checks and balances to contain the power of men such as he, and an elected second chamber might have more clout.
Thankyou for keeping me updated on such issues
Michelle, We spoke about this on 18Doughty Street last night. Would appear that the Government are intent on reversing the Conservative policy of closing the "institutions" and getting people with mental problems out of society. Can't say I'm totally against that.
Why vote on Bills if they are going to be forced through? Where is the spirit of democracy?
Do I see another totally inappropriate use of the Parliament Act hoving into view?
The Lords are right in this matter and the Commons must listen. They have a huge advantage, as a House of Review, to consider at some leisure and that's why Blair must not be allowed to destroy the Lords.
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