Poots Promotes Mental Health Care In Assembly

Individuals and families living with a learning disability or a mental health need are valued members of our society with equal rights to access public services as other members of the community.

This was the message from Health Minister Edwin Poots as he addressed the Assembly on the publication of the 2012-15 Bamford Action Plan.

This 2012-15 Plan follows an evaluation of the previous Plan which included consultations, research, evidence-based practice and listening to the views of service users and their carers.

The Bamford Action Plan concerns the themes of health promotion, independence, support for carers and families, the modernisation and improvement of services and developing the legislative framework.

In a written statement on Tuesday, the Minister said: "The Action Plan reflects the Executive’s continuing commitment to the principles underpinning the Bamford Review and, in particular, the further support for those individuals and their families living with a learning disability and/or a mental health need. They are valued as equal members of society and have the same right to public services as any other member of our community.

"The Executive remains committed to the promotion of independence and social inclusion for those who are living with a mental health or learning disability. The modernisation and improvement of learning disability and mental health services, however, will only be fully realised through the commitment not just of health and social care staff, and an inter-governmental and agency approach, but also through the drive of service users, carers and the voluntary and community sectors.

"The Action Plan reflects a truly cross-cutting agenda, and therefore we need real involvement across all parts of Government in Northern Ireland. Leadership from responsible Ministers will be of paramount importance in order to deliver the full Bamford Vision for these services.

"I believe it is important that Government and those who commission and deliver services continue to be informed and guided by the views of those who use these services in order that we provide the right care in the right place at the right time."

The Minister concluded: "I would like to thank the many individuals and groups who contributed to the development of the Action Plan, in particular the Bamford Monitoring Group of the Patient and Client Council for their invaluable assistance."

(IT)