Key Targets Hit in Mental Health Reform Programme, UK
A key target was hit for the number of home treatment teams - this means that more people will be treated in their community and kept out of hospital. Three other important service provision targets were also hit. Offenders with mental health needs are also being supported, as six targets were hit relating to their care.
These new teams and new ways of providing services have come about because of a hefty cash injection given to mental health. A report published today by the Department of Health shows that investment in mental health services increased by 7% real terms between 2003-4 and 2004-5 - £293 million.
This is further evidence of the massive programme of reform and investment in mental health services that has been ongoing since 1999.
Health minister Rosie Winterton said:
"For too long mental health has been seen as the 'Cinderella service' of the health service. But this has changed. Mental health is a key priority for the government. We've invested record amounts of money in the service and I'm pleased to see that the money is getting through to the frontline, in the shape of a much needed boost to the mental health workforce. There will now be more people on the ground, in the community, providing help and support to patients where they need it.
"We are in the middle of a huge reform of mental health services. The new Mental Health Bill is a key part of this plan to improve life for people with mental health problems and to make treatment more focused on their needs.
"In 2004 around one million people were unable to work due to mental health problems. This is now the number one reason for claiming incapacity benefit and costs the British economy billions of pounds. Improving mental health services is a key avenue in reducing the number of people who cannot work because of stress and achieving a healthier population."
The National Director for Mental Health, Professor Louis Appleby, said:
"In the last five years since the publication of the National Service Framework we have invested over a billion pounds more in mental health services and have put in place many of the improvements that we promised. Much more will be done in the next few years but I am very pleased that we have made such good progress.
"Getting these specialist teams in place is an important step forward. Having them working on the ground means that more people will be supported and treated in their own homes rather than admitted to an in-patient ward."
The four workforce targets that have been hit are: Crisis Resolution - also known as Home Treatment - teams (target 335, 343 achieved), Early Intervention teams (target 50, 109 achieved), Gateway staff (target 500, 1,520 achieved) and Assertive Outreach teams (target 220, 261 achieved).
The investment report, "The 2004/05 National Survey of Investment in Mental Health Services", found that total increased investment between 2001/02 and 2004/05 was £708million or 18.6%. In 2 004/05 there was a real terms increase of 7% compared to 2003/04.
UK Dept of Health Press Release
Þinte Hit-cheie în Sãnãtate Mintalã a programului de reformã, Regatul Unit - Key Targets Hit in Mental Health Reform Programme, UK - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate