UK to Promote Massive Mental Health Reform

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that the government of the United Kingdom will invest GBP 1 billion on improving mental health services across the country.

The Department of Health (DH; London, UK) has stated that the funds are intended to ensure complete coverage of crisis resolution and home treatment teams across England, as part of a transformation of the community mental healthcare system. To do so, the investment, which will be spread out over the next five years, will include GBP 247 million to ensure mental health services are available in every emergency department (ED), and that they will be accessible around the clock in at least half of England's acute hospitals by the year 2020.

An additional GBP 400 million is being set aside to help secure 24-hour treatment for mental health patients in the community, as a safe and effective alternative to a hospital. The investment also includes GBP 290 million that will be used to improve the care of expectant or new mothers with mental health issues, giving at least 30,000 more women each year access to specialist mental healthcare before and after having their baby. Further funds will be allotted to expand mental health services to help teenagers with eating disorders such as anorexia.

“Mental illness isn't contagious; there's nothing to be frightened of. As a country, we need to be far more mature about this. Less hushed tones, less whispering; more frank and open discussion,” said Prime Minister Cameron. “We need to take away that shame, that embarrassment, let people know that they're not in this alone, that when the clouds descend, they don't have to suffer silently. I want us to be able to say to anyone who is struggling, talk to someone, ask your doctor for help and we will always be there to support you.”

“Change in public attitudes, coupled with an increasing range of effective mental health treatments mean that now is the time to tackle the huge unmet need that affects families and communities across the nation,” said Simon Stevens, CEO of NHS England (Redditch, UK). “Today's measures are a critical first step, and when our independent taskforce publishes its final report in a few weeks, the whole NHS will need to mobilize to translate their wider proposals into action.”

“This is a significant moment for mental health and we are pleased to see the prime minister giving it the attention it deserves,” said Paul Farmer, independent chair of the NHS England taskforce on Mental Health. “Mental health is hugely important in any discussion about improving life chances and mental health problems can affect anyone, from mums-to-be preparing for their first child to older people at risk of isolation.”

Related Links:
UK Department of Health
NHS England