The Welsh Parliament have voted unanimously to support James Evans MDS' Bill to update Mental Health legislation in Wales.
The Bill seeks to enshrine several principles into how mental health services are delivered in Wales focusing on Choice & Autonomy, Least Restriction, Therapeutic Benefit, and treating the Person as an Individual. The Bill will also replace the Nearest Relative provisions in the Act with a new role of Nominated Person. The intention would be that in place of the Nearest Relative, a patient would be able to personally select a Nominated Person to represent them by allowing an individual to express their wishes through someone they know and trust.
Additionally, The Bill also sets out to amend elements of the existing Mental Health (Wales) Measure, to ensure that there is no age limit upon those who can request a re-assessment of their mental health and to extend the ability to request a reassessment to people specified by the patient.
Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire, James Evans MS said:
“The changes I am proposing to make are narrow and focused, but significant to updating Mental Health legalisation here in Wales; they come with very little cost, but they will go a long way to improve the outcomes and experiences for people suffering with their mental health here in Wales.
“This is an important, rights-focused Bill, and I’ve been delighted to have worked with colleagues across the Senedd in shaping this work. I hope to continue to work very closely with members, organisations and experts in the development of this Bill. I am overwhelmed to get cross party support, this will make a huge difference to improve the lives for many people across our Country.
