Mental health 'new deal' is proposed (From Penarth Times)

Mental health 'new deal' is proposed

VALE OF Glamorgan mental health service users, carers, health professionals and volunteers joined a forum to plan the future shape of mental health services in the area.

A total of 140 people attended the event at Whitchurch Hospital, which was designed to give everyone involved a voice in the way care is organised and delivered in the future for people with mental health needs.

David Edwards, chief executive of Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, said: "A modern service requires a multi-agency approach.

"We need to include families, carers and users in planning the way forward. "We are ready to reform the way services are provided and to focus services more closely on users and carers."

The forum was jointly organised by Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and Bro Taf Health Authority, in collaboration with Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan local authorities, local health groups, community health councils, voluntary sector organisations, service users and carers.

Some of the main discussion topics were improving primary care in the community, providing more day care, supporting carers more effectively, improving buildings, locations and care environments.

It was also hoped to move towards reducing the number of in-patients.

The forum follows a number of smaller workshops, which have been held throughout Cardiff and the Vale to consider the future development of mental health services.

The Health Authority and the NHS Trust are reviewing mental health services to provide a new model of care for the population served.

Forum spokesman Jenny Willoughby added: "The forum provided an opportunity to learn about the progress that has been made already and to contribute on future plans for services in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan."