Reforms to Mental Health Act aim to tackle poor care and racial inequalities

Major reforms have been announced to mental health laws in England and Wales that aim to ensure parity with physical health services, put patients’ views at the centre of their care, and tackle racial inequalities.1

The far reaching proposals come in a government white paper building on reforms recommended by a review of the 1983 Mental Health Act two years ago by Simon Wessely, former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.2 The Department of Health and Social Care has promised that changes requiring legislation will be incorporated in a draft Mental Health Bill for consultation next year.

The Wessely review was set up by the government to find the …