The government's Mental Health Bill strikes the "right balance" between patient safeguards and protecting the public, the health secretary has said. Patricia Hewitt told the Commons it was "essential" to ensure discharged patients continued taking medication.
Commenting in advance of Monday's vote on the Mental Health Bill, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Norman Lamb MP said:
Controversial plans to allow mentally ill people to be detained against their will, even if they have not committed a crime, are due to be discussed by MPs. The Mental Health Bill, rejected by the Lords in February, is expected to face heavy criticism in the Commons.
The government's overhaul of the mental health system must give more protection to children, a charity has warned. The Young Minds group says 1,000 youngsters are admitted to adult wards each year - almost one third being detained against their will. Many are abused or left traumatised by the experience, the charity says.
More evidence has emerged suggesting a link between pollutants found in oily fish and type two diabetes. An international team found high levels of persistent organic pesticides (POPs) in the blood correlated to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
A city council has launched a campaign to tackle the misuse of disabled car parking bays at its leisure centres. The Baywatch campaign, launched in Preston in Lancashire, covers both Fulwood and West View leisure centres. The national campaign aims to discourage non-disabled drivers from using parking spaces meant for blue badge holders at supermarkets.
