Royal College Of Nursing Welcomes New Guidance For Providing Acute Mental Health Care For Women, UK

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Psychology / Psychiatry;  Depression
Article Date: 22 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Commenting on today's publication of 'Informed Gender Practice, Mental health Acute Care That Works for Women', by the Care Services Improvement Partnership, Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary, of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

"The RCN welcomes this guidance as it highlights the importance of equality practices in mental health care and should enable women to receive support tailored specifically to their needs.

"We are particularly keen to support this initiative as it is compatible with RCN values and our 8 Principles for Practice which promote effective and meaningful mental healthcare services for women.

"Nurses also acknowledge the vital role they have to play in ensuring that women are able to access services which are safe, provide choice, address experiences of violence and abuse, and promote well-being and recovery approaches.

"This guidance is an effective resource which will be of great use to busy mental health professionals trying to deliver high quality, gender specific care."

The RCN's 8 Principles for Practices was launched in 2005 aiming to promote anti- oppressive practice for all women in any health care setting, thereby promoting good mental health. Copies are available to downloaded at: www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/word_doc/0005/8843/8_principles_short.doc

Copies of the Informed Gender Practice- Mental Health Acute for Women are available to download at: www.nimhe.csip.org.uk/our-work/gender-and-womens-mental-health.html

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.

www.rcn.org.uk