RCPsych responds to plans to expand mental health crisis services this winter

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Dr Adrian James, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: 

“We welcome NHS England’s plans to expand mental health crisis services this winter. Having mental health professionals work within 999 call centres and accompany paramedics on emergency call outs, provides an opportunity to treat people with mental illness earlier, improve outcomes for, and the experience of, patients which also reduces pressure on beds and in A&E.

“Over the last year we have seen record referrals for mental health treatment, and during the winter months pressures on mental health services become even greater. Whilst we welcome today's announcements, we must make sure there is an adequate mental health workforce in place, including a sufficient number of psychiatrists, and that services are not overstretched.”