Much more to be done to improve mental health services, concludes PAC report
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has today issued a report about the need for a whole Government approach to mental health. Responding to this, Mind Chief Executive Paul Farmer said:
“Mental health problems do not exist in isolation and as such are not the sole responsibility of the NHS. Mental health impacts on every aspect of your life from work and relationships to education and finances. The care and support offered needs to reflect this and span physical, social and mental health needs.
“For too long mental health has not been given the priority that it deserves and has not been placed on an equal footing with physical health. It is the job of all the departments, right across Government, to change this and to lay the foundations and funding for a more integrated approach to take place.
“The new Five Year Forward View for Mental Health called for a more joined up way of working and recommended a cross Government plan that is now overdue. Today’s report underlines the urgent need for action so that we can improve the all-round experience and care that people with mental health problems receive.
“Unfortunately, there’s still a long way to go before we see any big changes felt on the ground for the one in four of us experiencing a mental health problem in any given year.”
