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Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, which is part of the NHS Confederation, responded to the NHS Providers’ State Of The NHS Provider Sector report

“There has been huge progress in the way mental health is talked about and recognised with campaigns such as Heads Together having a positive impact on tackling stigma.

“However with greater awareness of mental health comes extra pressure on services that are already stretched. The Government has pledged to put mental health on a par with physical health but this needs to be reflected in investment and the continued progress of the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health. Securing a sustainable mental health workforce fit for the 21st century is a crucial part of this.

"Getting mental health services right will relieve pressure on other parts of the health system and we would urge the government to deliver on its promises and ensure mental health gets the equal status it deserves.”