Written evidence submitted by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (MHB0031)

 

1. Summary

 

 

2. How far does the draft Bill deliver on the principles set out in the 2018 Independent Review? Does it reflect developments since?

 

 

 

 

Advance Choice document

Statutory Care and Treatment Plan

 

 

5. What are your views on the changes to how the Act applies to autistic people and those with learning disabilities?             

Communication

Community

 

 

6. What do you think the impact of the proposals will be on the workforce within community mental health services and multidisciplinary working practices both in inpatient and community services?

Workforce

 

 

7. What changes and additional support do you think will be needed to help professionals implement the proposals effectively? Will additional staffing and resources be required?

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. What impact will the draft Bill have on children, young people and their families? Does it take sufficient account of the existing legal framework covering children and young people?

 

 

11. What do you think of the proposed replacement of “nearest relative” with “nominated persons”? Do the proposals provide appropriate support for patients, families and nominated people?             

 

 

12. Are there any additions you would like to see to the draft Bill?             

  1. Place understanding and being understood at the heart of the reforms. People’s speech, language and communication needs must be recognised and supported. To enable children and adults with mental ill health to have a voice in key decisions about their care, they must be able to process large amounts of information and be able to communicate effectively around complex topics. This requires better support of speech, language and communication needs.
  2. Adding SLTs to the list of eligible professionals able to train as an approved/responsible clinician. At present SLTs are denied this opportunity to progress in our careers despite having the skills, knowledge and experience to support patients. The RCSLT encourage better support to people who present with complex physical and mental health needs.
  3. Updated staffing models focusing on speech and language therapists as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
  4. Commitment to accessible information. A commitment to providing accessible, patient-centred mental health services through accessible information at every stage.

 

 

 

16 September 2022