Written question WQ91344
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with health boards to advocate for better take-up of advanced choice documents in the health service in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Welsh Government agreed that proposals in the UK Government Mental Health Bill to introduce advanced choice documents for mental health patients should be extended to Wales. In the absence of that expected legislation for England and Wales, the Welsh Government will look at the possibilities of introducing advanced choice documents for mental health care and treatment on a non-statutory basis. In the future, if a patient is admitted, knowing their preferences would give them more autonomy over their treatment. According to research, this is associated with a reduction in readmissions.