Abstract
Kuruvilla et al ( Psychiatric Bulletin , August 2006, 30 , 300–303) reported that a high percentage of respondents in their survey had not received formal training in the assessment (52%) or management (36%) of drug-induced movement disorders and mean levels of confidence in these skills were
Highlights
MENTAL HEALTH ACT COMMISSION (2006a) In Place of Fear? Eleventh Biennial Report 2003-2005.TSO (The Stationery Office)
This contributes to consultant shortages (Mears et al, 2002) and presents the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) with an opportunity to provide solutions
Our survey of specialist grade (SAS) psychiatrists in Birmingham (n=55) found personal reasons (62%) and wanting further clinical experience (45%) to be the most common reasons for taking an SAS post. Of those who have passed the MRCPsych part I examination, 69% and 50% respectively cited personal reasons and gaining clinical experience, but for those with College Membership, pay protection (75%) and additional clinical experience (75%) were the reasons
Summary
Dr Middleton suggests that the Mental Health Act Commission’s criticism of acute psychiatric in-patient services in its last biennial report is a reflection of rising expectations and increased awareness of human rights, rather than an indication of any recent deterioration in such services (Psychiatric Bulletin, November 2006, 30, 404). This has an impact across many acute services, leading to ‘overoccupancy’ of beds; delayed admissions; and the use of leave for bed-management purposes; as well as disruption and distress for patients and distraction for staff Concern over these matters has been raised with increasing urgency by many Mental Health Act commissioners over recent years, and by the psychiatry sub-committee of the British Medical Association Central Consultants and Specialists Committee (BMA News, 2006). A trend has been noted for trainee psychiatrists who obtain their College Membership to opt for staff grade and associate specialist grade (SAS) posts (Vassilas & Brown, 2005) This contributes to consultant shortages (Mears et al, 2002) and presents the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) with an opportunity to provide solutions.
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