Society Response To Healthcare Commision Announcement

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Mental Health
Article Date: 05 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The British Psychological Society has welcomed the Healthcare Commission's announcement that it will visit 48 inpatient learning disability services to ensure their standards of care.

Professor Peter Kinderman, Chair of The British Psychological Society's Standing Committee -Psychology in Health and Social Care, said: 'We welcome the news that the Healthcare Commission are to make this second round of visits as it demonstrates their commitment to improving the care of these vulnerable individuals.

'We are pleased that that the Commission recognises that these services must meet not only the immediate housing and health needs of these vulnerable individuals, but also their mental health needs. As psychologists play an ever-larger role in delivering mental health services we look forward to helping the Healthcare Commission achieve its aims.'

Psychologists have recently been given substantially enhanced responsibility under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 2007, and thus play a key role in planning and delivering care for people with learning disabilities.

British Psychological Society