RCPsych ready to support planned mental health strategy for England

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The UK Government has launched a Call for Evidence to help shape a new cross-government Mental Health Strategy for England.

Responding to the announcement, Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

“We welcome today’s announcement which represents an important opportunity to turn the tide on England’s worsening mental health. There are millions of people who would benefit from more timely care and joined-up services, and it is positive to see the Government is prioritising this approach.

“The Royal College of Psychiatrists has long been calling for a cross-government mental health strategy which can deliver real progress.  Early intervention, continuity of care and assertive outreach all improve patient outcomes and need to be implemented more consistently under any future strategy, as well as research being routinely embedded into mental health care as we know research-active environments significantly improve outcomes. The NHS will be at the heart of this cultural shift, and it is vital that staff are supported to deliver it.

“It is also crucial that recent initiatives, such as community or neighbourhood mental health centres and co-located mental health emergency departments, continue to be supported with the resources they need to expand and of course, Trusts must be supported to get their bed capacity right. Greater investment in psychiatry and the wider mental health workforce will help ensure sustainable progress is made as well.

“This strategy has the potential to help other sectors, such as housing, social care, business and education, consider the mental health impact of their policies and how it can be reduced or improved. Given the significant impact mental illness has on people’s education and ability to work, this will help boost the nation’s productivity and support economic growth, as well as supporting individuals to thrive. 

“We are hopeful that the strategy will be an important step in building a more effective and efficient mental healthcare system with far reaching implications for every aspect of society. The College stands ready to share the expertise of its members and help deliver this change.”