Introduction of community psychiatric care model under threat?

The Ombudsman is asking the Health Minister to provide a timetable of the work planned for the implementation of the community psychiatric care model. He also asks whether consideration is being given to establishing an adult psychiatric reform team to support mental health centers in place of the abolished Pilot Office.

Lack of key legislation

The ROP expressed its concern about the lack of draft legislation, which is essential for the introduction of a community-based model of psychiatric care. Of particular importance here is the enactment of an amendment to the Law on Mental Health Care and an ordinance setting an organizational standard for mental health centers. In a letter to the Minister of Health, Marcin Wiącek noted the need for urgent action in this regard to ensure a smooth transition from the pilot program to the full functioning of the system nationwide.

The appeal of experts

In his letter, the Ombudsman referred to a letter sent to the Minister of Health by Dr. Marek Balicki and Prof. Andrzej Cechnicki. Both experts, involved in the development of community psychiatry in Poland, expressed their concerns about the implementation of the National Mental Health Program and the reform of psychiatric care for adults. Marcin Wiącek stressed that the letter also confirms his own concerns about the pace of work on the needed legal changes.

Need for a psychiatry reform team

In his letter, the ROP also asked the Health Minister about the possibility of establishing a team for adult psychiatry reform. The team would support mental health centers in their operations, replacing the abolished Pilot Office. The Ombudsman stressed that such a team could play a key role in ensuring the success of psychiatric reform in Poland.

Source: RPO