What is the National Service Framework (NSF) for mental health?
This sets out the standards which are to be achieved by service providers but does not give individuals any new rights. Even so, it creates legitimate expectations. What about the National Institute of Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE)? This was set up to give guidance to health professionals on quality standards and also to patients, on what they should expect. Professionals are expected to take guidance fully into account when using their clinical judgement, but they are allowed some discretion. If a doctor does not seem to be providing care or treatment of the standard described in the guideline, then the outcome could be a successful complaint, possible disciplinary proceedings or court action if the patient is harmed in some way.
