17.10.16
‘Worrying’ lack of funding increases for mental health services
Many mental health trusts are still struggling to fund services despite government commitments to deliver parity of esteem between physical and mental health, new King’s Fund research shows.
The King’s Fund figures show that 40% of mental health trusts experienced a decrease in operating income between 2014-15 and 2015-16. This is the same level as between 2013-14 and 2014-15, although it is a slight improvement on 45% in the previous year.
Helen Gilburt, a fellow in policy at the King’s Fund, said: “The fact that the planned increases in funding for mental health have not materialised in trust finances in so many areas is worrying, as there is a really urgent need for investment.
“Patients should expect access to timely and effective treatment, yet across the country there is widespread evidence of poor-quality care, and patients are increasingly reporting a poor experience of mental health services. Many of the pressures in mental health are being seen in areas of care where patients are most vulnerable.
“While we welcome the commitments to increase funding, the experience of last year shows that parity of esteem for mental health continues to remain under threat.”
The government promised an additional £1bn for mental health services following the findings of the Mental Health Taskforce earlier this year. However, a recent Public Accounts Committee report warned that the reforms lack “sound foundations” in terms of funding and accurate data.
The King’s Fund said this indicates that mental health spending in many CCGs has been lower than planned, as resources are instead directed towards tackling deficits in the acute sector.
In addition, it said it reflected the difference in payment systems. Mental health providers are primarily paid in block contracts, which fail to reflect increases in demand and leave them more vulnerable to spending cuts.
The think tank warned that spending pressures could have an impact on the quality of services, with 40% of mental health and community trust finance directors planning to cut permanent clinical staff and a quarter of CCGs failing to meet mental health performance targets.
(Image c. Dominic Lipinski from PA Wire)
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