A new report by NHS Providers outlines a plan to improve mental health services, calling on the government and NHS leaders to deliver “values-driven, patient-centred, and staff-enabled” care.
Vicki Ensor, Policy & Influencing Manager at Mind, said:
“We’ve long argued that mental and physical health should be treated equally. With record numbers seeking mental health support, now is the time to make this a reality.”
One major obstacle, she noted, is funding. A review by Lord Darzi found that while mental health conditions make up 20% of the disease burden in England, they receive just 10% of NHS funding. This shortfall has led to long waiting lists and missed early intervention opportunities, leaving many in need of more intensive care later.
Ensor also stressed the urgent need to address staffing shortages in mental health services, a problem repeatedly flagged by Care Quality Commission (CQC) investigations.
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