IMPROVING WELL-BEING IN PEOPLE WITH SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS

Motion Text

That this House welcomes the launch of the Running on Empty report which reveals that people with severe mental illness are receiving a sub-standard level of physical healthcare; is extremely concerned that this is contributing to a three times higher rate of premature death and reduced life expectancy of up to 15 years; believes that people with severe mental illness have the right to a supportive, choice-driven and integrated programme of care that looks at their physical health and lifestyle as well as their mental health; recognises that there are best practice programmes that allow people to manage their own care proactively, but which are under-utilised; and calls on the Government to prioritise the physical health of people with severe mental illness within their public health agenda, and to take action to encourage healthcare professionals to work together to support the well-being of people with severe mental illness so that they may achieve their optimum quality of life.