With a high quality treatment environment acknowledged to significantly speed the recovery of those suffering from mental illness, and the Government recognising the need to update older, outdated facilities.
May’s Design in Mental Health Conference and Exhibition, at Birmingham’s National Motorcycle Museum (HEJ – February 2013) is, organiser, Step Exhibitions says, ‘designed for everyone with an interest in mental health – from the professionals involved in creating, maintaining, and delivering mental healthcare facilities, to clinical staff, service users, and carers’. James Lee, event director, said: “The event, taking place from 14-15 May, is a unique opportunity to share and explore ideas and insights, learn from others, and join the debate on how facilities can be made more welcoming and therapeutic without compromising safety and security. Alongside the conference, visitors will be able to see and discuss the latest products for the sector in the accompanying exhibition. Improving the nation’s mental healthcare facilities will not only boost recovery rates; it will also help change attitudes to such facilities and those who use them, in turn helping to remove the stigma and discrimination still so often associated with mental health problems.” Conference speakers already signed up include:
• Dave McKenna, acting director of Security, Mersey Care NHS Trust. (including Ashworth Hospital, pictured)
• Warren Irving, Chief Operating Officer, St Andrew’s Healthcare.
• Sarah Waller CBE, programme director, Enhancing the Healing Environment, The King’s Fund.
• Alice Liang, principal, Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc (Canada).
• Gary Barnes, senior director, Kier Health.
• Paul Tarbuck, deputy head of Healthcare Inspection, HM Inspectorate of Prisons.
• Carol Ann Bristow, project lead for Service User Involvement, Lancashire Care NHS Trust.
Until 31 March delegates can benefit from the ‘early bird’ conference rates of £140 for those in the private sector, and £85 for public sector employees (to include catering and exhibition access). To book, visit www.designinmentalhealth.com
