News Release, 26 April 2006
The Mental Health Foundation today called for greater transparency from government in regard to the current financial crisis within the National Health System (NHS). In response to comments by Health Minister Patricia Hewitt that the NHS had just enjoyed ‘its best year ever’, the charity warned that this is not reflected in the experience of mental health service users or mental health professionals.
Moira Fraser, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation said:
“Evidence at local and national level shows that services which were already in need of further resource are actually getting squeezed further. Government claims of increased investment need to be accompanied by a clearer breakdown of expenditure and improvements on the ground”.
The charity said that it welcomes plans for new developments such as community based initiatives for mental health care, but expressed concern that trusts will shift resources away from vital mental health services such as psychological therapies and child and adolescent mental health services in order to balance the books. Moira Fraser said:
“The Government makes great claims for new community services, but in practice many of these are overstretched and underfunded, and are now at risk of further cutbacks. Government needs to be clear about how the 600million deficit will be met. Effective modernisation cannot be rushed through without full resource”.
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“This period of financial crisis within the NHS provides an opportunity for Government to rethink its funding priorities and re-allocate sufficient resource to mental health services. By 2020 depression will be the second largest health burden after heart disease. It is crucial to address this issue as a matter of urgency.”
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Notes to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the Press Office on 020 7803 1128 / 1130 or email the press office
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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