Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Jonathan Morgan AM has pledged his full support for the Wales Alliance for Mental Health (WAMH) vision for a Mental Health Measure (Welsh law).

Mr Morgan, who proposed the Mental Health Legislative Competency Order to develop a Measure and has overseen its progress at the Assembly, said he agreed with all the principles in the WAMH vision, including the creation of a legal right to an holistic care plan for all patients who are assessed as needing secondary or specialist mental health services.

Speaking to John Abbott, Hafal's Campaigns Manager, Mr Morgan stated: "I want to put patients' rights at the heart of a new Measure, including rights to early treatment and rights to a comprehensive care plan.

"I would like to see a fair and balanced Measure with a focus on supporting patients towards recovery."

Discussing the new NHS structure that will see the establishment of seven Boards in place of the existing 14 Trusts and 22 Local Health Boards, Mr Morgan expressed his concerns about mental health.

"I fully agree with Hafal's Members that one of the Executive Directors on each of the seven Boards of Directors should have an exclusive mental health role," he said.

"This is the logical and fair solution if mental health is to be given the priority it needs within the new structure."

For the latest on the progress of the Mental Health Legislative Competency Order and the new NHS structure in Wales, go to: www.mentalhealthwales.net