Psychiatrists in Wales are today launching a
new campaign to help reduce the inequalities faced by people with
mental health problems.
The Welsh Division of the Royal College of
Psychiatrists is calling on the Welsh Assembly Government to pledge
its commitment to the Fair Deal campaign.
The Division also hopes there will be early recognition of the
campaign’s values and objectives by the new Health Boards.
Although there has been extra investment in
mental health services over the last decade, governments do not
spend enough given the extent of the burden of mental
illnesses.
In Wales, an estimated 12% of the total NHS
and social services spending is allocated to mental health
services, which is disproportionate to the human and economic costs
of mental disorders.
The College’s
Fair Deal manifesto highlights the problems that people with
both mental health problems and learning disabilities encounter
daily in terms of their health, life chances and inclusion. Key
problems include: funding shortages, limited access to services,
poor inpatient services, and widespread discrimination.
Commenting on the launch of the Fair Deal
campaign today in Ewloe in Flintshire, Dr Helen Matthews, chair of
the Welsh Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“This event provides a real example of successful integration of
academic and clinical practice across Wales. The College is
delighted that Dr Tony Jewell, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, is
providing high profile support and recognition to this important
initiative by delivering a keynote address at the launch.”
The College’s Welsh Division plans to raise
awareness of its Fair Deal campaign in the Welsh Assembly
Government, in the new Health Boards’ planning and operational
structures, and among the general public. The Division will
undertake a series of projects including integrating physical and
mental healthcare, particularly focusing on the relationships
between primary and specialist care.
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 Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 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 service users and carers; Availability of psychological therapies; and Linking physical and mental health.