30 November 2017
In response to NHS England's confirmation of funding for mental health, Professor Wendy Burn, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said: “Mental health patients and staff across the country can breathe a sigh of relief today. NHS England Chief executive Simon Stevens said vital plans to improve mental health services will be kept on track for at least the next financial year. But the promise is to spend an extra £1 billion on frontline mental health services and treat one million more people by 2021 – so we need a commitment to take us beyond 2019.
“The next step is to make sure that money gets to patients on the front line. We’re very worried that local healthcare commissioners are being allowed to divert cash intended for mental health services to pay for debts elsewhere. Commissioners must be held properly to account for the decisions that they make.”For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896