ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an overview of the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness and outlines the important role that mental health nurses (MHN) can play in supporting individuals to improve their physical health and well-being. The National Audit of Schizophrenia found inconsistencies in care provision by Mental Health Trusts across the country. The audit revealed that on average only 29 percent of people with schizophrenia had received a full health check. These are basic checks which could all be undertaken by MHNs and which could all indicate a health risk requiring intervention. Contact with a mental health team may provide the first opportunity for an individual with mental illness to have their physical health needs assessed. The physical health check was first developed by a multidisciplinary research group based within a community mental health team who were aiming to improve the provision of physical health care.
