This paper reports on work produced by a Government Review of Mental Health Nursing in England conducted in 1993/4. The Review reported to the British Government in January 1994 and offered 42 recommendations for their consideration. At the heart of the Review Report was a determination that patients, carers and all people who use services should be engaged in a new partnership with nurses in the delivery of care. Within the 42 recommendations there are a number which relate particularly to developing this partnership. This paper discusses these recommendations and the issues which surround them.