The Fourth Quinquennial National Community Mental Health Nursing Census of England and Wales

Within an increasingly articulate policy framework, changes to the United Kingdom National Health Service have taken place and these have impacted on mental health service provision. They have particular implications for the work of community mental health nurses (CMHNs). Since 1980, a five-yearly national census of CMHNs has been conducted. Selected findings from the latest census, commissioned by the Department of Health, are set within the context of data derived from the three previous studies. Substantive implications which flow from the changes detected in the practice, organisation and management, and education of community mental health nurses in England and Wales, are discussed.