Health Minister Robin Swann has published a Consultation Analysis Report on the Draft Mental Health Strategy, which itself was published in December.
Welcoming the input from all those who participated in the consultation, Minister Swann said: “I am very grateful to the large numbers of individuals and organisations who contributed to the process, both during the co-design phase, and in response to the consultation. Their input was invaluable.
“Over 400 consultation responses were received from across a wide spectrum of organisations and individuals. Of these more than 82% were rated as positive.
“As a result of the constructive feedback officials are currently working on strengthening the Strategy to make sure it will provide the reform needed across mental health services. Once that work is completed. It is intended to publish the Mental Health Strategy shortly.”
The Minister concluded: “Since taking up my post as Minister, I have been very clear that mental health is a top priority for me. The key vehicle for improving service delivery and positive mental health outcomes for people is the implementation of the new Mental Health Strategy.
“A key element of that has been the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience, carers, health and social care staff, the interim Mental Health Champion, other government departments, academics and professional bodies.”