Understanding the relation with the European Union

In the European union there is not such a commission such as 'Mental Health', 'Psychiatry' or 'Nursing'. In the EU Mental Health is under the attention of one of the European Commissions (visit Europe.eu) Directorate-General of Health and consumer protection in section 'Public Health' (visit at Europe.eu/health). Mental Health is perceived as effecting the public not just in terms of morbidity, treatment and Human Rights but also in relation to safety, exclusion from society and economic costs.

These are issues strongly related to our daily lives, contribute to a safe living and working environment and a healthy economy, and need to be tackled so that Human Rights are respected and those suffering from an illness are not marginalized in society The EU is challenged by these issues. It facilitates collective debate, consideration and Policy development and encourages States to act within Policy to research and enhance care, develop co-operation and maximize the Health of the European population.

Individual States retain the right to implement policy, or not. It is important to understand that it is the public who decides who represents them in the EU and ultimately the Public who determine Policy. It is up to the professionals and in our case, the psychiatric nurses and nurses in the mental health, to give the EU and the Public the best possible information.

We will ensure we are recognized as an important, highly motivated group committed to the pursuit of best standards and best practice in Mental Health. The EU is now aware of the Horatio. We have made a Submission on the Green Paper. Horatio is proactive in informing ourselves with the best and latest information relative to Mental Health and in being pro-active in promoting the nursing role. We liaise with external partners in pursuit of our goal.