Summary
- The CQC report on the case of Valdo Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic who committed a violent attack, may impact government plans to modernize the Mental Health Act.
- Labour’s focus on strengthening patient autonomy in the Act was highlighted as a factor in the breakdown of care that led to Calocane’s attacks.
- The report suggests there was excessive deference to patient autonomy in mental health services, leading to inadequate treatment for Calocane.
- The failure to use existing powers under the MHA raises questions about resource allocation and the need for sufficient capacity in mental health services.
