Forum aiming to show the way (From Barry And District News)

Forum aiming to show the way

VALE OF Glamorgan mental health service users, carers, health professionals and volunteers took part in a forum to plan the future shape of mental health services in the area.

A total of 140 people attended the event at Whitchurch Hospital, which was designed to give everyone involved a voice in the way care is organised and delivered for people with mental health needs in the future.

David Edwards, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said: "A modern service requires a multi-agency approach.

"We need to include families, carers and users in planning the way forward. We are ready to reform the way services are provided and to focus services more closely on users and carers."

The forum was jointly organised by Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and Bro Taf Health Authority, in collaboration with Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan local authorities, local health groups, community health councils, voluntary sector organisations, service users and carers.

Some of the main discussion topics were improving primary care in the community, providing more day care, supporting carers more effectively, improving buildings, locations and care environments. And then as a result of all the topics, moving towards reducing the number of in-patients.

Workshops

The forum follows a number of smaller workshops, which have been held throughout Cardiff and the Vale to consider the future development of mental health services.

The Health Authority and the NHS Trust are reviewing mental health services to provide a new model of care for the population served.

Forum spokesman Jenny Willoughby added: "The forum provided an opportunity to learn about the progress that has been made already and to contribute on future plans."