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Specialist registrars' views on the proposed reform of the Mental Health Act (1983)

Potential impact on recruitment and retention of consultant psychiatrists

Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust, Rydon House, Cheddon Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 7AZ

Alain Gregoire, Consultant Psychiatrist

West Hampshire NHS Trust, Maplos Building, Tatchbury Mount Hospital

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

A postal questionnaire was sent to specialist registrars (SpRs) in the Wessex Region to evaluate senior trainees' reactions to information about the proposed changes in mental health legislation and to ascertain if the information had adversely affected their view of their future careers as consultants.

RESULTS

A high level of concern about the proposed changes and their potential impact on consultants was revealed. A majority of SpRs took a more negative view of their future career, especially those preparing a single Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training in general adult psychiatry, who were more likely to have adverse perceptions and to have thought of opting out.

SERVICE IMPLICATIONS

The legislative proposals have the potential for considerable impact on recruitment and retention of psychiatrists.