The future for psychiatry

Abstract

Policy for mental health services in England is based on two straightforward principles. These are, first that care should be provided as locally to where a person lives as is reasonably possible, and secondly that treatment should be available in the least restrictive conditions that are compatible with the safety of the patient, of those looking after him and of the public at large. I make no apology for reviewing the history of policy and practice; it is not possible to understand the mental health services that we are trying to achieve for the future without understanding how the service has developed over the years. I shall use the mental illness service as an example – similar considerations apply to the mental handicap services.