In a major new report launched today, the
Royal College of Psychiatrists calls for action to end the
inequalities faced by people with mental health problems.
Following consultation with psychiatrists,
service users and carers across the UK, the College has drawn up
its Fair Deal manifesto to highlight the problems that people with
both mental health problems and learning disabilities encounter
daily in terms of their health, life chances and inclusion.
The report’s publication marks the beginning
of a new three-year campaign in which the College has committed
itself to working to address the areas where the biggest
inequalities exist.
Although the Government has provided extra
investment for mental health services over the last decade, mental
health services continue to lag behind those in physical health.
Key problems include: funding shortages, limited access to
services, poor inpatient services, and widespread
discrimination.
Now, as the NHS celebrate its 60th
anniversary, the Royal College of Psychiatrists believes it is time
to take an overview of areas that need to improve.
Prof Sheila Hollins, President of the Royal
College of Psychiatrists, says: “On the 60th anniversary
of the NHS, the challenge is clear. We asked our members and the
College’s networks of service users and carers to tell us what they
thought. A recurring theme in their responses was that people with
mental health problems and learning disabilities do not get a fair
deal. Although there has been real progress, particularly in the
last decade, they are still not afforded equal dignity and respect
as other citizens.
“This College manifesto lays the groundwork
for our campaign, which I hope will help to achieve a fair deal for
people with mental illness and people with learning disabilities,
through a new partnership with everyone concerned about these
issues.”
Key figures highlighted in the report show
that:
- One-in-four older people living in the
community have symptoms of depression severe enough to warrant
help, but only half are diagnosed and treated.
- A third of substance misuse patients with
mental health needs do not receive any interventions.
- In-patients may remain in hospital for months
after their need for hospitalisation has ended while they await
transfer to local authority accommodation.
- Mental health research receives 6.5% of total
research funding, compared with 25% for research into cancer and
15% for neurological diseases.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists will raise
awareness of its Fair Deal campaign in the UK Parliaments and among
the general public. It will undertake a series of key projects,
including partnership work with organisations such as Mind, the
Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, Young Minds and the Mental
Health Foundation.
Prof Dinesh Bhugra, the College’s President
Elect, said: “As psychiatrists, we have an opportunity, and a
professional responsibility, to help shape the services in which we
work and advocate for service users and carers. But no change can,
or should, happen alone. That is why through our Fair Deal for
mental health campaign, we want to work closely with anyone who
shares our vision.”
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
Note to editors:
The Fair Deal manifesto identifies eight priority areas:
• Funding of research and services
• Access to services
• Inpatient services
• Recovery and rehabilitation
• Discrimination and stigma
• Engagement with users and carers
• Availability of psychological therapies
• Linking physical and mental health
The Royal College of Psychiatrists will initiate a programme of public education and communications work to raise awareness of the priorities, and undertake key projects and actions to address each one.
Sign up to the campaign online at www.fairdeal4mentalhealth.co.uk and receive Fair Deal updates. People are also invited to e-mail the Royal College of Psychiatrists with their own views, experiences and case-examples at Fairdeal@rcpsych.ac.uk.