Mental Health Measure
The 2010 Mental Health Measure has come into effect and the Government is currently consulting on the regulations which will describe how it is implemented
The measure will give people the right to an assessment and new primary care services and to re-enter secondary mental health services within a specified period if they become unwell again. It will be vital to ensure that occupational therapists are employed in the new primary care assessments and support services.
What is COT doing about the Mental Health Measure?
- Responding to the consultations on the regulations and code of practice of the mental health measure
- Supporting the development of evidence and resources to help members deliver best practice
- The Wales Policy Officer is ensuring that all consultations and developments are communicated to members and is working with the mental health network in Wales
What can you do about the Mental Health Measure?
- Ensure that occupational therapy is considered when opportunities for primary mental health services develop, for example in new roles
- Promote and articulate the benefit of occupational therapy to all service users and their families, to all colleagues and managers and to other stakeholders whenever possible
- Demonstrate evidence based and best practice at all times to show the outcomes of effective occupational therapy
- Monitor developments and changes in your own organisation and take any opportunity to lobby, using the resources available on the this website
