Held on 25 June, and entitled, ‘Mental health issues affecting the young and elderly’, the summit was organised by the Conservative Party. The 60 delegates attending included representatives from local authorities, voluntary organisations, mental hospitals (Broadmoor), psychiatrists and care providers. Dr Liam Fox, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, opened the summit with a history of treatment of the mentally ill from the past to the present day, and calling for reform of the 1990 NHS and Community Care Act with a view to ensuring the most appropriate treatment and environment for patients, both in a hospital setting and in the community.

The meeting divided into three discussion groups, namely mental health for the young, for adults and for older people. Michaela Willmott, Policy Officer for Health, Age Concern England, gave a short presentation on mental health issues affecting older people. She cited loneliness, lack of transport and adequate support as key factors affecting mental health. She also pointed out that the NSF for Mental Health and the NSF for Older People do not correspond. Dr Andrew Fairburn, Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry (Newcastle), delivered a short presentation on undiagnosed mental illness and unmet need amongst older people. He stated that mental health does not receive enough attention in primary care where ageist attitudes to treatment abound, and there is a lethargy towards integration.

Participants in the discussion group on mental health for older people were in favour of the same mental health treatment for all, irrespective of age. They were however, divided on the repeated use of mind-controlling drugs, some arguing these were used excessively while others were of the view that their levels of use was just about right. Participants also stated that much more focus ought to be put on prevention, rather than cure. All were in favour of better integration between social services and health services within the NHS. They considered the biggest challenge the promotion of good mental health.

Annette Guerda-Fischer
BGS Office