College responds to Mental Health Strategy Implementation Framework

Embargoed until 24 July 2012

Responding to the publication of the Mental Health Strategy Implementation Framework today (24 July), Professor Sue Bailey, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

"We greatly welcome the Mental Health Strategy Implementation Framework, and in particular its strong emphasis on the need for mental health to be valued equally with physical health.

"It should be a matter of huge public concern that people with serious mental illness can have their life expectancy reduced by 20 years as a result of associated physical illness, increased health risk behaviour and other factors. Those with depression can have a reduced life expectancy of 10 years. Similarly, people with long-term physical health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are two to three times more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population."

"This needs to change, and there is a compelling moral and economic case for effective, safe and high quality care to be available. We challenge commissioners, health and wellbeing boards, service providers, service users, carers and the public to ensure that the Mental Health Strategy is given the priority it deserves and is fully implemented at a local level, as that is where decisions will be made about what is provided. The College has already done a considerable amount of work on the issue of debt and mental health, and has produced an online Work and Mental Health resource aimed at employers, employees and clinicians.

"We are delighted that Public Health England will be integrating mental health and wellbeing throughout all of its key functions and approaches.  Again, it will be just as important that as public health moves across into local authorities, public mental health is given the same priority locally.

"Finally, it is heartening to see that the Framework emphasises an integrated approach that recognises the breadth of activity required to improve mental health also beyond the health service, within for example the criminal justice system, education and by employers."

Note to editors:

The Mental Health Strategy Implementation Framework was launched by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow on 24 July 2012