Mental health nursing consultation launched

The consultation is part of the review of mental health nursing launched in February 2005 and comes in the context of major Government reforms such as “Choosing Health” and “Delivering Race Equality”, and the development of new ways of working for a range of professions. As the largest professional group in mental health services, mental health nurses will play an important role in these reforms. The consultation is seeking views as to how mental health nurses should contribute to a wide range of issues, including services for people from black and ethnic minority groups, the delivery of psychological therapies, health promotion, and meeting the needs of carers. Professor Louis Appleby, national director of mental health, said: “Mental health nursing is undoubtedly going to play an essential role in continuing to develop and improve services for people with mental health problems. The consultation document raises many important questions that we need to address to enable nurses to make the most effective contribution possible.”