Mental Health Act an important and long overdue step forward

Responding to the confirmation of Royal Assent for a new Mental Health Act, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said:

"It's time to give mental health the priority it deserves and this is an important and long overdue step forward. 

"But reform of the Mental Health Act alone will not be enough.
 
"It will be vital to address the underlying issues driving pressures on services, and to ensure sustainable funding, with investment in the mental health workforce and services in the community, to deliver care in the right place at the right time.

"One of the key factors behind this reform is the need to address racial disparities in the use of the Mental Health Act. Sustained support and focus on this at national and local levels will be critical.

"We look forward to working with the government to ensure prompt and effective implementation of the new act."