College response to new Mental Health Strategy

Embargoed until 02 February 2011

Commenting on the publication of the Government's new mental health strategy, No Health Without Mental Health, Professor Dinesh Bhugra, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

"We welcome the new strategy and the commitment the government has shown both to public mental health and to quality services for mental health patients. It is vital at a time of austerity for the NHS that mental and physical health care receive equal resources – particularly as mental health problems tend to be more widespread in times of economic hardship.

"If this does not happen, we are in danger of reversing the gains that have been made in the quality of care in mental health over the last decade and the hope for recovery that has been possible for those who have benefited from them. There is still a long way to go for mental health patients to receive a satisfactory standard of care and treatment throughout England, and the challenge set out in this strategy needs to be taken up by commissioners and providers in health and social care."

Note to editors:

No Health without Mental Health: a cross-Government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages, was published by the Department of Health on 2 February 2011. Supporting documents have also been published. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Mentalhealth/MentalHealthStrategy/index.htm