Bamford Action Plan evaluation published

The Northern Ireland Executive’s response to the findings of the Bamford Review led to the publication in October 2009 of the 2009-2011 Bamford Action Plan. The plan contains agreed actions and timescales for Northern Ireland Government Departments and Health and Social Care sectors.

This Evaluation assesses if the Bamford 2009-2011 Action Plan has achieved its purpose and the investments in mental health and learning disability services were appropriately targeted and are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who use services.

The Minister said: “I remain committed to the Bamford Vision and to the development of mental health and learning disability services to meet the needs of service users, their carers and families.

“This Evaluation establishes that over the last two years the joint working across Government Departments and the Health and Social Care sector has achieved much, and 80% of the actions have been delivered. It also highlights areas where services can still be improved and the need for more of a focus on outcomes rather than outputs.

“A strong foundation has been established and a positive change is evident but we still have much to do in order to deliver the full Bamford Vision.”

The Evaluation has been informed by contributions from Government Departments, the Health and Social Care sector and the Bamford Monitoring Group.

The Minister said: “I am very grateful to the service users and their carers who contributed to the reports from Bamford Monitoring Group which are referenced in this Evaluation. It is important that Government and those who commission and deliver services are informed and guided by the views of those who use these services.”

The Minister added: “The development of a 2012-2015 Bamford Action Plan is progressing well; the learning from this evaluation and those outstanding service enhancements identified will assist to inform this follow-on Plan.”