Latest news with #RoyalCollegeofPsychiatrists
IOL News
3 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Starving for ‘Likes' - social media's role in teen eating disorders
In an age where teenagers are growing up online, social media has become more than just a place to connect – it's a constant mirror, often reflecting toxic messages about body image, beauty and self-worth. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat may seem harmless, but experts warn they are increasingly fuelling eating disorders among vulnerable young people by glorifying thinness and pushing unscientific, and sometimes dangerous, diet advice. For many teenagers, especially young girls, the endless scroll of 'body goals' and 'what I eat in a day' posts can become a gateway to disordered eating. According to the UK's 'Royal College of Psychiatrists', eating disorders are on the rise, with social media playing a significant role in shaping harmful body ideals. Dr Agnes Ayton, Chair of the Faculty of Eating Disorders Psychiatry, says, "Social media can act as a catalyst, especially in young people who may already have low self-esteem or be going through emotionally vulnerable periods. 'The constant exposure to edited images and unrealistic body standards can severely distort how they view themselves."
Medscape
6 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Doctors Oppose Mental Health Detention Power Proposals
Nine prominent medical and social care organisations have jointly condemned proposed amendments to mental health legislation that would extend police powers of detention to medical practitioners in England and Wales. The amendments, tabled during the passage of the Mental Health Bill through Parliament, would empower 'authorised' individuals, including medical professionals, to detain someone undergoing a mental health crisis. At present, only the police have these powers of detention under the Mental Health Act 1983. Joint Statement Urges Caution The nine groups, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of Nursing, and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, warned of the risk of "significant harm with dangerous consequences" from the proposals. The joint statement focused on proposed changes in the Bill to sections 135 and 136 of the Mental Health Act. These sections cover the detention of people in crisis in public or private settings. If passed, the amendments, introduced in the House of Lords, would authorise powers of detention for doctors, mental health nurses, and approved mental health professionals. Police officers would only need to attend to investigate a crime or if there was an immediate risk to life. Police Role is Vital, Say Signatories The organisations warned that removing police involvement in mental health incidents could be unsafe. According to the statement, 'instances of detentions under the Mental Health Act where there is no risk are almost non-existent.' It noted that 'the mere presence of uniformed officers can ensure that an otherwise risky situation remains contained and safe.' The organisations also noted that police are essential in carrying out many tasks that medical practitioners cannot perform, such as checking whether it is safe to enter a home. The Bill aims to deliver on the government manifesto commitment to modernise mental health legislation to give patients greater choice, autonomy, and enhanced rights and support, ensuring dignity and respect throughout treatment. It is intended to give effect to the policy approaches outlined in a 2018 independent review by Sir Simon Wessely. The statement criticised the lack of consultation with frontline professionals and patients. It warned that the changes could increase the use of restrictive practices and limit patient autonomy, undermining the aims of the legislation. Risk to Therapeutic Relationships Transferring police powers to healthcare professionals could risk damaging their therapeutic relationships with patients, the statement said. It might also discourage people from seeking help. Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, who worked on the 2018 review, echoed these concerns. "It is well known that at times, people experiencing a mental health crisis cannot be safely reached and cared for without the assistance of the police," she said. Delegating police powers without proper consultation or planning "sets a dangerous precedent" and is likely to increase risk to patients and compromise the safety of others, Smith added. Other signatories to the statement are the: Association of Directors of Adult Social Services Approved Mental Health Professional Leads Network British Association of Social Workers British Medical Association College of Paramedics Royal College of Emergency Medicine As the Bill moves to the committee stage in the House of Commons, the signatories called for joint working with police and government to improve crisis responses.
Leader Live
26-05-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Passing police detention powers to NHS staff ‘could cause significant harm'
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, the Royal College of Nursing and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services are among those saying proposed changes to the Mental Health Bill will set a 'dangerous precedent' that puts people at risk. In March, the Government suffered several defeats in the Lords as peers debated ways to modernise mental health legislation. Conservative shadow health minister Lord Kamall proposed a change to the Mental Health Bill so that nurses, doctors and other staff could carry out detentions of patients without the need for police officers to attend incidents. Health minister Baroness Merron told the Lords the Government did not support 'extending police powers in this way' but peers backed the Conservative proposal, resulting in changes to the draft new law. The changes mean powers previously reserved only for police could be transferred to health or other professionals to detain and restrain people in crisis, in public spaces or at home. It comes after concerns have repeatedly been raised by police leaders about the pressures mental health issues are placing on policing. Launching a joint statement, major health organisations have expressed 'grave concerns' and argue the 'police play a crucial role in carrying out many tasks that medical practitioners cannot perform, such as assessing whether a home is safe to enter'. They said 'reducing police involvement in mental health emergencies could lead to serious risks for both patients and clinicians.' The joint statement said wording accompanying the amendment 'states that 'the proposed amendments would remove the need for the presence of police at mental health incidents in the absence of any risk.' 'This is misleading as instances of detentions under the Mental Health Act where there is no risk are almost non-existent. 'It also negates the fact that the mere presence of uniformed officers can ensure that an otherwise risky situation remains contained and safe.' Transferring police powers to health professionals also risks damaging their 'therapeutic relationships' with patients, the signatories said. This has the 'double-effect' of hindering the ability to provide care, while also deterring people from seeking help from services where they might be forcibly detained, they added. The organisations said the changes 'have not been tested' with health professionals or discussed with patients. Their statement said: 'We are keen to work with police and Government to find ways to improve responses to mental health crises to ensure the safety of all professionals involved, patients and the community.' Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said delegating police powers to health professionals 'would not be within the spirit' of the proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act. She added: 'It is well known that at times, people experiencing a mental health crisis cannot be safely reached and cared for without the assistance of the police. 'Delegating police powers without proper consultation or planning is likely to disproportionately affect those from minoritised backgrounds and would increase risk to patients and compromise the safety of others. It sets a dangerous precedent. 'Like mental health services, the police are facing significant workload pressures. 'It is simply logical and now vital that we work together to develop more effective ways of responding to mental health crises.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Extending police powers to other professionals would represent a major shift in the roles, responsibilities and practice for health and care staff and would place additional resource on an already stretched NHS at a time where we are trying to rebuild a health service fit for the future. 'It also raises questions around whether it is right for the health and social care professionals to have powers to use reasonable force which could have implications for patient, public and staff safety, as well as potentially damaging the relationships clinicians have with patients. 'We are grateful to health and social care stakeholders for their in-depth engagement on this complex issue.' Signatories to the joint statement are: – Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE)– Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS)– Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Leads Network– British Association of Social Workers (BASW)– British Medical Association (BMA)– College of Paramedics– Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM)– Royal College of Nursing (RCN)– Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)
South Wales Guardian
26-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Passing police detention powers to NHS staff ‘could cause significant harm'
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, the Royal College of Nursing and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services are among those saying proposed changes to the Mental Health Bill will set a 'dangerous precedent' that puts people at risk. In March, the Government suffered several defeats in the Lords as peers debated ways to modernise mental health legislation. Conservative shadow health minister Lord Kamall proposed a change to the Mental Health Bill so that nurses, doctors and other staff could carry out detentions of patients without the need for police officers to attend incidents. Health minister Baroness Merron told the Lords the Government did not support 'extending police powers in this way' but peers backed the Conservative proposal, resulting in changes to the draft new law. The changes mean powers previously reserved only for police could be transferred to health or other professionals to detain and restrain people in crisis, in public spaces or at home. It comes after concerns have repeatedly been raised by police leaders about the pressures mental health issues are placing on policing. Launching a joint statement, major health organisations have expressed 'grave concerns' and argue the 'police play a crucial role in carrying out many tasks that medical practitioners cannot perform, such as assessing whether a home is safe to enter'. They said 'reducing police involvement in mental health emergencies could lead to serious risks for both patients and clinicians.' The joint statement said wording accompanying the amendment 'states that 'the proposed amendments would remove the need for the presence of police at mental health incidents in the absence of any risk.' 'This is misleading as instances of detentions under the Mental Health Act where there is no risk are almost non-existent. 'It also negates the fact that the mere presence of uniformed officers can ensure that an otherwise risky situation remains contained and safe.' Transferring police powers to health professionals also risks damaging their 'therapeutic relationships' with patients, the signatories said. This has the 'double-effect' of hindering the ability to provide care, while also deterring people from seeking help from services where they might be forcibly detained, they added. The organisations said the changes 'have not been tested' with health professionals or discussed with patients. Their statement said: 'We are keen to work with police and Government to find ways to improve responses to mental health crises to ensure the safety of all professionals involved, patients and the community.' Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said delegating police powers to health professionals 'would not be within the spirit' of the proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act. She added: 'It is well known that at times, people experiencing a mental health crisis cannot be safely reached and cared for without the assistance of the police. 'Delegating police powers without proper consultation or planning is likely to disproportionately affect those from minoritised backgrounds and would increase risk to patients and compromise the safety of others. It sets a dangerous precedent. 'Like mental health services, the police are facing significant workload pressures. 'It is simply logical and now vital that we work together to develop more effective ways of responding to mental health crises.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Extending police powers to other professionals would represent a major shift in the roles, responsibilities and practice for health and care staff and would place additional resource on an already stretched NHS at a time where we are trying to rebuild a health service fit for the future. 'It also raises questions around whether it is right for the health and social care professionals to have powers to use reasonable force which could have implications for patient, public and staff safety, as well as potentially damaging the relationships clinicians have with patients. 'We are grateful to health and social care stakeholders for their in-depth engagement on this complex issue.' Signatories to the joint statement are: – Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE)– Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS)– Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Leads Network– British Association of Social Workers (BASW)– British Medical Association (BMA)– College of Paramedics– Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM)– Royal College of Nursing (RCN)– Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)
North Wales Chronicle
26-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Passing police detention powers to NHS staff ‘could cause significant harm'
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, the Royal College of Nursing and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services are among those saying proposed changes to the Mental Health Bill will set a 'dangerous precedent' that puts people at risk. In March, the Government suffered several defeats in the Lords as peers debated ways to modernise mental health legislation. Conservative shadow health minister Lord Kamall proposed a change to the Mental Health Bill so that nurses, doctors and other staff could carry out detentions of patients without the need for police officers to attend incidents. Health minister Baroness Merron told the Lords the Government did not support 'extending police powers in this way' but peers backed the Conservative proposal, resulting in changes to the draft new law. The changes mean powers previously reserved only for police could be transferred to health or other professionals to detain and restrain people in crisis, in public spaces or at home. It comes after concerns have repeatedly been raised by police leaders about the pressures mental health issues are placing on policing. Launching a joint statement, major health organisations have expressed 'grave concerns' and argue the 'police play a crucial role in carrying out many tasks that medical practitioners cannot perform, such as assessing whether a home is safe to enter'. They said 'reducing police involvement in mental health emergencies could lead to serious risks for both patients and clinicians.' The joint statement said wording accompanying the amendment 'states that 'the proposed amendments would remove the need for the presence of police at mental health incidents in the absence of any risk.' 'This is misleading as instances of detentions under the Mental Health Act where there is no risk are almost non-existent. 'It also negates the fact that the mere presence of uniformed officers can ensure that an otherwise risky situation remains contained and safe.' Transferring police powers to health professionals also risks damaging their 'therapeutic relationships' with patients, the signatories said. This has the 'double-effect' of hindering the ability to provide care, while also deterring people from seeking help from services where they might be forcibly detained, they added. The organisations said the changes 'have not been tested' with health professionals or discussed with patients. Their statement said: 'We are keen to work with police and Government to find ways to improve responses to mental health crises to ensure the safety of all professionals involved, patients and the community.' Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said delegating police powers to health professionals 'would not be within the spirit' of the proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act. She added: 'It is well known that at times, people experiencing a mental health crisis cannot be safely reached and cared for without the assistance of the police. 'Delegating police powers without proper consultation or planning is likely to disproportionately affect those from minoritised backgrounds and would increase risk to patients and compromise the safety of others. It sets a dangerous precedent. 'Like mental health services, the police are facing significant workload pressures. 'It is simply logical and now vital that we work together to develop more effective ways of responding to mental health crises.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Extending police powers to other professionals would represent a major shift in the roles, responsibilities and practice for health and care staff and would place additional resource on an already stretched NHS at a time where we are trying to rebuild a health service fit for the future. 'It also raises questions around whether it is right for the health and social care professionals to have powers to use reasonable force which could have implications for patient, public and staff safety, as well as potentially damaging the relationships clinicians have with patients. 'We are grateful to health and social care stakeholders for their in-depth engagement on this complex issue.' Signatories to the joint statement are: – Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE)– Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS)– Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Leads Network– British Association of Social Workers (BASW)– British Medical Association (BMA)– College of Paramedics– Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM)– Royal College of Nursing (RCN)– Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)
