24.07.12
Clegg launches mental health implementation framework
The NHS is failing people with mental health problems, charities have warned, as the Government is set to launch an implementation framework for its mental health strategy.
‘No health without mental health’ was introduced over a year ago, but patients in some areas are still waiting at least three months for specialist counselling, with some developing more severe symptoms as a consequence of the delay.
Today Deputy PM Nick Clegg will launch the implementation framework to provide clear guidance for health and social services, local authorities and housing associations on what they should be doing to help patients with mental health issues.
The framework sets out what employers, schools, businesses, local authorities, housing organisations, voluntary groups and health and care organisations can do to promote good mental health.
A new mental health dashboard has also been published to provide a picture of overall progress towards implementation. The measures to be used in this dashboard are yet to be confirmed.
The report states: “If we are to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing, everyone needs to play their part.”
It adds: “Translating the ideals into concrete actions that can be taken by a wide range of local organisations to bring about real and measurable improvements in mental health and wellbeing for people across the country.”
Recommendations include getting the NHS Commissioning Board to develop a collaborative programme of action to give mental health parity of esteem, early intervention from public services, involving people with mental health problems in service design, CCGs appointing a mental health lead at senior level and using specialist support and guidance for commissioning.
The charity Mind stated that the strategy so far has failed to improve the outlook for patients.
Chief executive Paul Farmer said: “Having a strategy is only the first step. Action is what makes a real difference to people’s lives. Many people live well with a mental health problem, but far too many don’t.
“There are very high numbers of people out of work because of their mental health and people who can’t take part as equal citizens in our society because of the stigma and discrimination.”
Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive at the Mental Health Foundation, welcomed the framework and said: “It will play a key role in ensuring that the Government’s commitment to parity of esteem between physical and mental health becomes a reality at a local level.”
He highlighted the importance of commitment to mental health research to develop and improve effective care as well as the need for organisations to work together to promote mental wellbeing.
Dr McCulloch said: “The Framework rightly highlights the role of public mental health. Public HealthEngland, and new local directors of Public Health, must now keep mental health at the core of their public health strategies.
“The Framework is coming out at a time of significant NHS change and constraints on public spending. We will need to keep a very close eye on outcomes reflected in the promised national mental health dashboard to ensure the commitments set out in the Mental Health Strategy are honoured.”
To view the framework, visit: www.dh.gov.uk/health/files/2012/07/No-Health-Without-Mental-Health-Implementation-Framework-Report.pdf
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