Members of the National Assembly for Wales' Legislation Committee No. 3 have today heard evidence from Hafal on the Proposed Mental Health (Wales) Measure.

The Proposed Measure, which has been described as a "historic moment for service users in Wales", will place duties on Local Health Boards and local authorities in Wales in relation to assessment of mental health and treatment of mental disorder, and in relation to independent mental health advocacy for qualifying patients.

The committee, which was chaired by South Wales West AM Dr Dai Lloyd heard evidence this morning from Practice Leader (Training) Sue Barnes and Recovery Practitioner Lee McCabe.

Hafal broadly welcomes much of the Proposed Measure; however Sue emphasised to committee members the need for a legally enforceable time limit from referral by a GP for assessment for secondary mental health services to that assessment being carried out.

Both Sue and Lee also emphasised the importance of a legally enforceable time-limit on creating the patient's care plan.

To view the evidence given to Legislation Committee No. 3 please visit: http://www.senedd.tv/index.jsf

To read Hafal's full and detailed response to the Proposed Mental Health (Wales) Measure please visit: http://www.hafal.org/hafal/pdf/consultation_on_mh_measure_-_Hafal_evidence.pdf

For more information on the Measure including the latest news, its record of passage in the National Assembly for Wales and related documents please visit: http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-legislation/bus-leg-measures/business-legislation-measures-mhs-2.htm