Conclusion
Throughout its history ECT has been controversial and
this continues to the present day often leading to a
low profile and a lack of funding for services. However,
this intervention has been shown to be an excellent
first-line treatment for people with severe depression.
This article has explained the need to improve a
service to offer better patient care and improved staff
satisfaction. It has also discussed the importance of
dedicated teams to provide the best care and to ensure
patient safety. It was recognised that the profile of the
service needed to be raised and, more importantly, that
patients attending the service deserved to be treated in
a facility suited to 21st century health care.