Mental health. Inside job

Four out of five prisoners suffer mental health problems. There are 139 liaison teams responsible for ensuring offenders are directed to hospitals where appropriate, but they are under-resourced and stretched to capacity. Mental health teams are working to reduce inappropriate referrals.     

Mental health. Barrier grief

There is a belief in the mental health sector that poor commissioning is slowing modernisation. A problem has been identified in the balance of power, with large trusts providing services for several PCTs. The difficulty in measuring outcomes is key. Strong commissioning needs the involvement of carers and service users.     

Mental health. Stepping stones

Following a merger, Stepping Hill Hospital's psychiatric division had a bed occupancy of 130 per cent. In the next year, the wards will be converted to 23-bed single sex units. Staff shortages are thwarting the plans by delaying openings.     

Mental health. Pay attention

Research into user involvement groups in mental health was conducted to make them more effective. Responses revealed frustration about a lack of real input, use of volunteers, lack of payment and burn-out of activists. The responses also revealed a widespread feeling of 'influence without power'.     

Mental health. Sounding off

The incidence of mental illness among deaf people is around 40 per cent. Only three NHS services currently provide inpatient and day hospital care for the deaf. Deaf service users are often prepared to travel for specialst care, and some even relocate.     

Mental health. Home alone

Carers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia want more support and greater involvement in the care of the service user. Access to 24-hour support is highly rated. Almost half the carers in this study received no support from anyone--professional or otherwise.