Speaking out of personal pain and a deep sense of concern, I’m the mother of two wonderful sons who live with schizophrenia. What was supposed to be their saving grace, the NHS, unveiled itself as a place of systemic issues and mistreatment. After watching a heartrending program on Panorama highlighting the failings of the NHS surrounding a patient with psychosis, it became acutely clear that large-scale changes are urgently needed.

Current patient confidentiality laws rigidly enforce standards that can often leave families and loved ones in the dark, ineligible for what can often be life-saving information. Confidentiality is indeed crucial, but when it involves a loved one suffering from severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and psychosis, where vulnerabilities are heightened and the margin for preventable tragedy is slim, should we not reevaluate?

The change I propose is an amendment in the law concerning patient confidentiality for those diagnosed with severe mental health conditions. It is estimated that schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 100 people in the UK. (Source: NHS UK) An amendment in the law would allow facilitated communication and inclusion of immediate family members and caregivers in critical decision-making processes.

This not only acknowledges the role of the family in supporting a patient's journey to recovery but can also work as a prevention against potential life-threatening situations. As a parent who has lived the reality of this issue, I can attest to the urgency and importance of this amendment.

It's time for change. It's time for mental health to be prioritized. It's time for families to be part of the process. Sign this petition if you agree that patient confidentiality laws need an amendment for individuals suffering from severe mental health conditions. Almost all people when in full blown psychosis completely lack insight and believe that there is nothing wrong, add to this they very often have no mental capacity and at present relatives are not allowed to be informed of any decisions made regarding treatment.