The Alliance for Mental Health, representing patients, carers and professionals in the mental health sector said that recommendations made in the NAO report are implemented in the shortest time possible.

Of primary significance, the alliance said in a statement, is the NAO’s recommendation that a National Strategy on Mental Health is required if our mental health services are to reach the standards which are acceptable on an international level. A4MH believes that only through a national strategy encompassing all levels of care, including acute, rehabilitative and community care, can local mental health services embark upon the transformation they require. Such a strategy would ascertain that the various aspects of the overhaul called for by the sector would be achieved in a timely and orderly fashion while provision of services can be sustained.

A4MH agrees that the development of a new acute facility remains a priority, while it supports the recommendations that community care services are to be bolstered, developed further and appropriately resourced to provide a first point of call, and suitable alternatives of care for people who do not require hospitalisation.

The assertion that “… should funds be solely allocated to make the hospital’s building safe, while sidelining other pressing operational issues, the inefficiencies within MCH would still persist” (pg 25) highlights the need for investment beyond the infrastructure. The lack of resources and strained relations between and among management and staff highlight the need for resources, fresh training and the insemination of a new culture among all those involved in delivering a mental health service. Management and operational practices need to be upgraded if standards are to improve. The process to effect such change is a lengthy one and must be adequately funded and rigorously planned. A national strategy would be the only way to ascertain that this happens, the alliance said.