Mental Health Foundation calls service-user defined outcomes symposium, on publication of final star ratings, UK

Main Category: Mental Health
Article Date: 27 Jul 2005 - 23:00 PDT

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In response to the Healthcare Commission's publication of the final set of star ratings today, the Foundation has called a symposium on mental health service user-defined performance measures. The event in November will provide a think-tank opportunity to examine meaningful measures and how to embed them in the future of health service inspections.

The charity welcomed the Healthcare Commission's statement today that the challenge for mental health trusts remains 'to measure what really matters to patients and staff in the most meaningful way'. Today's star ratings indicate some broad improvements in mental health, but less than a quarter of mental health trusts achieved three stars. The Foundation has always maintained that the ratings system is not an effective way of measuring the performance of mental health trusts.

Through the symposium, the Foundation aims to bring together key stakeholders in the mental health service user movement, charities, patient and public involvement forums, NHS and other statutory organisations, including the Healthcare Commission. It will provide a structured day of discussion, agreed actions and future plans for ensuring that inspections of mental health services take account of genuine user-defined outcomes.

The Mental Health Foundation is not a direct service provider, and receives just under 85% of its income from voluntary sources. It recently appointed David Crepaz-Keay as a Senior Policy Advisor on Patient and Public Involvement. The new post will see David promote the voices of service users throughout the Foundation's policy, service and practice development work.

David Crepaz-Keay said: "It's time that targets were set by the people most affected by services' successes and failures. Service user involvement remains meaningless while targets are defined by professionals and service managers. We welcome the challenge the Healthcare Commission has set for the mental health sector and all those who have a stake in measuring the performance of mental health trusts. We will seize the opportunity with both hands."

The event will be held at a central London venue, date to be confirmed. Expressions of interest in the symposium should be addressed in the first instance to gmcewan@mhf.org.uk

The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.

http://www.mhf.org.uk