A letter from Carer’s SA supporting the State Government’s Mental Health Bill 2008
Dear Friends
The Government has introduced the Mental Health Bill 2008 to replace current Mental Health Act 1993 and provide a contemporary framework.
Carers SA has sought for some years now provisions in mental health legislation that recognise the role of Carers in the care and treatment of people with a mental illness.
Carers frequently take responsibility for the care of the consumer in the community including medication and medical appointments, social and living arrangements, pre and post acute care in the community and emergency assistance.
The strongest message from family Carers has been that legislation needs to recognise the role of family Carers as partners in care by:
· Providing Carers with relevant information.
· Including Carers in the development of ongoing treatment plans and discharge planning.
We are therefore pleased to see, in particular, that this Bill:
· Defines a Carer within the meaning of the Carers Recognition Act 2005.
· Acknowledges in its Guiding Principles the role of Carers in the development of treatment and care plans.
· Includes within its Guiding Principles that Carers, along with the consumers and others, be provided with comprehensive information about the illnesses, orders, legal rights, treatments and other services.
· Provides for Carers to receive copies of statements of rights and detention and treatment orders and to be able to exercise appeals concerning orders.
· Provides for Carers to receive information about consumer transfers.
· Includes Carers, along with others, in the preparation of treatment and care plans.
· Provides for Carers to be able to support consumers in communications with and examinations and treatments by medical practitioners.
· Allows for the disclosure to the Carer of information related to the treatment, care or rehabilitation of the consumer.
Carers SA believes that this Bill is an important step in the continuing improvement of attitude to, and treatment of, people with mental illness in this state, and in particular in the acknowledgement of the role of the family Carer in these processes.
Carers SA has written to our state parliamentarians urging their support for this important legislation..
You can help by also contacting your local MP and the members of the Legislative Council to indicate your support for the Bill.
Carers SA
Ph: 8291 5600
To see a copy of the legislation follow the link to
MENTAL HEALTH BILL
