I am aware and acknowledge that patient outcomes are better where families and/or carers are involved in the development of the patients care and treatment plan. Healthcare professionals should proactively encourage patients at all stages to involve their family and/or carer in the development of these plans.
I must also accept, however, that patient confidentiality is important and should not be compromised where in some limited cases patients specifically request that contact not be made with families and/or carers. For the benefit of the patient, every effort must be made to encourage him or her to involve family and/or carers, but it is equally important to recognise that breaching this confidence against the patient's wishes, can damage the health professional/patient relationship. The Medical Council's Ethical Guide does however specially allow a doctor to ethically breach confidentiality if, for example. he/she believes that the patient is at risk of harming himself/herself or others.
The Expert Group which is reviewing the Mental Health Act 2001 is examining a range of issues, including the one mentioned by the Deputy. The Group is coming towards the end of its deliberations, and I expect to receive its final report by the end of the quarter 3 this year. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on or pre-empt any aspect of the Group's report in advance of receiving its final copy.