News Release, 7 November 2006
In response to the ‘Our Choices in Mental Health’ guidance published by the Department of Health, Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said;
“We broadly welcome this guidance. It is important that people with mental health problems are empowered and given choice over their treatment. However, there is a huge mountain to climb to ensure that this is achieved. 92 per cent of GPs still use anti-depressants as one of their primary treatment responses to depression and financial cuts to mental health services mean patient choice is severely limited.
“Concrete measures must be implemented to ensure real choice is delivered. Trusts have a duty to offer this through direct payments and individualised budgets, patients should be offered talking therapies and alternative treatments instead of just medication, and the Government must invest in services to ensure that choice is extended, not reduced. Until practical measures are put into place to facilitate real change, this guidance will simply be a hollow document.”
Ends
Read more about the 'Our Choices in Mental Health' guidance (on the Department of Health website).
Return to news releases 2006
Notes to editors
For further information 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
