New Mental Health Blog

The Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty safeguards (formerly known as the Bournewood safeguards) were introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 through the Mental Health Act 2007. The safeguards aim to give people who lack capacity protection when they are being cared for or treated in ways that may deprive them of their liberty. This easy read booklet outlines why the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are needed, when they will be used, what happens if an individual is deprived of their liberty and what will happens if a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards is granted.
does anyone know when this will take effect

Executive summary of the serious case review of Sarah, a white British child who died aged four months in late 2007. Although Sarah’s death was recorded as Sudden Infant Death (SIDS), the circumstances surrounding her death and the discovery that she had suffered fractures, lead to a review of the case being carried out. Prior to Sarah’s death, information about the parents and their children were know to many agencies. The father of the children had a history of mental health difficulties, anxiety and depression and a history of dependency on alcohol and drugs. The children’s mother became dependant on drugs after their first child was born.
oh i can’t beleive it

Summary of a serious case review of ‘John’ an 11mth old White British child who was injured by his Mother in late 2007. John was not seriously injured, however a review as carried out as there were lessons to be learnt from the case about the way agencies had worked together. Specific terms of reference considered by the review included: the assessment of parenting capacity prior; the quality of interagency work, whether this addressed developing concerns relating to John’s mother’s mental health, substance misuse and domestic violence; whether appropriate use was made of the existing child protection framework in relation to the above issues and in responding to unexplained injuries; and whether appropriate services were provided to meet the identified needs of John and his family.
wonder what this really means

The Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) is one of 12 options (‘requirements’) available to sentencers when constructing a Community Order or a Suspended Sentence Order. The MHTR can be given to an offender with mental health problems who does not require immediate compulsory hospital admission under the Mental Health Act. If they give their consent, the MHTR requires them to receive mental health treatment for a specified period. This report is based on an exploratory research project to examine the way in which the Mental Health Treatment Requirement is issued and the processes involved. It’s secondary aims were: to explore the views of sentencers and identify the main problems that have prevented them from issuing the MHTR at the point of sentencing; to examine the Drug Rehabilitation Requirement for any lessons its operation may provide for improving the MHTR; to consider whether the MHTR is an effective, suitable and therapeutic form of diversion for offenders with mental health problems and to explore inter-agency working. Fifty six professionals working in the courts, in probation and in health services were interviewed about their experiences and knowledge of the MHTR. Results found many professionals lacked direct experience of the MHTR, and some were not aware of it at all. Professionals also had varied views about the purpose of the MHTR and the criteria for who should receive an MHTR were not clear.
wonder what this really means

The National Offender Management Service is subject to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. This thematic report draws together information from prisoner surveys and inspection reports between 2006 and 2008, together with responses from 82 prison disability liaison officers (DLOs), to examine how well prisons are currently able to discharge these duties. Areas covered include: environment and relationships; safety; health services; activities; and resettlement. The report makes a number of recommendations.
and i though i was the only one to see it this way

Clive Beaumont was diagnosed with Younger Onset Dementia at age 45, when his children were aged just 3 and 4. In this publication his wife tells how she and her family coped for the next six years until Clive died. She covers the challenge of adapting to his progressive deterioration; addressing the legal implications of the illness; applying for benefit payments; findings nursing homes; and juggling her responsibilities as a wife, mother and employee.
if people only knew

Older People and Mental Health Nursing provides an evidence-based guide to caring for the growing number of older people with mental health issues. It focuses on the knowledge and key skills which practitioners require to work effectively with older people who have, or are at risk of developing, mental health needs. Divided into five sections, Older People and Mental Health Nursing first explores the background, historical perspectives and influences on mental health care in later life. It then looks at the ethical and legal issues involved, therapeutic relationships, and the values underpinning support and care. Part three focuses on aspects which have traditionally been neglected in mental health care, including culture, religion and sexuality. Part four details specific mental health issues for older people, including delirium, depression, and dementia. The final section explores future trends in older people’s mental health and offers ideas on how nursing is developing, and could develop, to address these.
thanks for delivering this story to me

Findings from a needs assessment carried out on a naturally occurring retirement community of 114 individuals are presented within the context of the increasing trend towards helping older people remain independently in their own homes. The assessment is based on an holistic perspective that encompasses physical, mental and social well-being, and it uses a specially developed tool to gather self-report measures of eleven chronic health conditions and seven instrumental activities of daily living. Psychological health was measured using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale and a Likert scale to cover perceptions of life satisfaction and health. The findings indicate complex and interacting medical and psychosocial problems, and suggest that while all resident can benefit from interventions, these should be targeted at those in greatest need, especially the oldest. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street,  Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
never miss a day, thanks for the blog

The Dignity in Care Campaign, launched on 14 November 2006, by the Minister for Care Services, Ivan Lewis MP, aims to eliminate tolerance of indignity in health and social care services through raising awareness and inspiring people to take action.  To date the campaign has focused on older people; from August 2007, the campaign is being extended to include people with mental health needs. High quality health and social care services should be delivered in a person-centred way that respects the dignity of the individual receiving them. Unfortunately, older people are not always treated with the respect they deserve.
this is bogus, who would think

This edited volume features evidence-based reviews and practical approaches for the professional in the hospital, clinic, community and school, with case examples throughout. Divided into five major sections, the book offers background historical and cultural information, discussion of self-injury etiology, assessment and intervention/prevention issues, and relevant resources for those working with youths who self-injure.
never miss a day, thanks for the blog