In the past few months the nursing community has shared in the celebration and reflection of the care provided by staff and statutory services since the birth of the NHS in July 1948.
There have been some significant organisational and attitudinal changes in mental health care since then, including in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, and the recognition of expert by experience.
Yet arguably the biggest change has been deinstitutionalisation, whereby the provision of care moved away from containment and confinement into the community.