Mind report shows a path to progress

Of 17 recommendations made by Mind, the mental health charity, most relate to better gathering and distribution of information.

It is an excellent report. Brief, easily understood, positive and informative, it offers simple practical solutions that could improve the lives of every islander struggling with their mental health.

Health & Social Care says many of the faultlines identified were already understood and being worked on but it can still use patient and staff experiences to improve island care.

Inevitably, some of that improvement will come at a cost. A 24-hour crisis care service with a psychiatric liaison team will not be cheap, but if it cuts the number of severe cases and stops sick and vulnerable people being held in police cells or ferried around in handcuffs it will be of huge benefit and release the police to do their real job.

Likewise, a community wellbeing hub where people can connect to local services and learn new skills will not be free but it will link Bailiwick organisations and help provide more rounded care of people with poor mental health.

It is clear from Mind’s report that the strain of being short-staffed is stopping professionals from giving the time and level of care they would wish. Employing more health workers to ease that will also be expensive.

All that said, giving doctors and patients the right information costs little.

Providing GPs with the training and information packs to pass to patients so that both parties fully understand the benefits of medication and the possible side-effects is obvious and achievable.

As is letting professionals know what secondary care is available and which voluntary services are out there. Or training all employees, including reception staff, police and teachers, to deal with mentally ill people they might come into contact with.

HSC is already looking for funding for the wellbeing centre and examining all its services.

There is plenty of work to do, and much of it will come at a cost, but there must be optimism that the island’s mental health services can use this report as a signpost to better care.