A training experience in the voluntary housing sector

Abstract

It is 25 years since the Royal Commission on Medical Education recommended that “every psychiatrist should be familiar with the conduct of community psychiatry”. This is now more important than ever. As the National Health Service and Community Care Act (1990) comes into force and community care initiatives are developed throughout the country, psychiatrists are at risk of being left behind. To be effective players in these developments, psychiatrists need to be armed with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the workings of community care. Training future consultants in all aspects of community care must be a continual priority.