NHS Confederation - We must ensure the workforce is equipped to meet the needs of the population, says the Mental Health Network

6 Feb 2018 10:52 AM

Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, responded to recent research unveiled by the BMA

“The Government has pledged to put mental health on a par with physical health by 2020 but this needs to be reflected in the level of investment in mental health services.

“With greater awareness of mental health issues comes increased demand. The growing demand, coupled with a shrinking workforce, increases pressure on services. We must ensure the workforce is equipped to meet the needs of the population and that the funds are available to keep services going.

“Our members are doing great work despite financial pressures and workforce challenges and we welcome the government’s recently announced plans to ensure investment reaches the front line.

“Last week’s NHS planning guidance explicitly recognised the importance of mental health services and the need to continue to increase funding to ensure delivery of the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health.

“The guidance also mandated that “each and every CCG” reach the investment standard in 2018/19.

"We look forward to seeing the government deliver on its pledges to alleviate these pressures across the sector.”

The devastating cost of treatment delays

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