In what was a blustery few days both
meteorologically and metaphorically, delegates had to battle the
wind and rain to reach the conference venue. Inside, the key
theme at many meetings was the impact of the new benefit assessment
process on those with physical illness, mental illness and learning
disability. Still not sensing any "give" in the system, we all know
this is big chunk of government spend but NGOs, users and carers
are battling to get ministers to recognise the catastrophic impact
when the assessments are carried out poorly. This debate therefore
must continue.
We held a lively, well attended round table with major mental
health charities, other Royal Colleges and the NHS Confederation
which saw really productive input from MPs and those with interest
in mental health in the House of Lords including Shirley Williams,
Judith Jolly, Claire Tyler and Victor Adebowale. Victor has been
CEO of the health and social care provider Turning Point for many
years and was recently appointed to the National Commissioning
Board. Baroness Tyler is championing children’s issues as Chair of
the Children and Family Court Advisory Service (CAFCAS) and the
newly appointed President of the National Children’s Bureau.
Myself and other College members attended a variety of meeting with
charities and other Royal Medical College on issues as varied and
commissioning, early intervention and obesity. As well as the
multiple fringe meetings on offer, we also had some useful one to
one meetings with Parliamentarians where we were able to raise
specific issues in more detail.
Dinner with NGOs, NHS Confederation and ex-Care Services Minister,
Paul Burstow MP in whom we have a continuing ally and friend for
mental health, learning disability and social care. Despite losing
his position on the Government front bench, I suspect he will
remain vocal on mental health issues in the Commons.
It’s fascinating to hear the perspective of local councillors about
clinical commissioning groups and local Health and Wellbeing
Boards. What won't surprise you but makes it difficult for us all
is the variability. Some councillors saying their Health and
Wellbeing Boards are health dominated, others social care, all
emphasise that later life is a priority.
More College meetings and clinical commitments for the rest of the
week before Labour conference in my home town of Manchester at the
weekend.
Subscribe to this post's comments using
RSS