Government response to community mental health services report welcome but more work still needed, says RCPsych

The Chairs of the General Adult Faculty and Child and Adolescent Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, commented on the UK Government’s response to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee report on community mental health services:

“We welcome the response from the Department of Health and Social Care and are encouraged that many of the Committee’s recommendations have been acknowledged. It is positive to see recognition that the shift toward more community-based care is central to the future of mental health provision in England and that community mental health services require sustained investment. 

“However, we share concern with other system leaders that the Government has not committed to placing mental health access and waiting time standards on a statutory footing. Without this, there remains a risk that people needing mental health care will continue to experience longer and less predictable waits compared with those accessing physical health services.

“For psychiatrists this matters deeply. Community mental health teams are the backbone of the system, supporting people with severe mental illness, preventing relapse, and reducing pressure on crisis and inpatient services. To succeed, these services require sustained investment, a stable and skilled multidisciplinary workforce, clear accountability for access and quality, and the flexibility to innovate in partnership with local communities.

“As two Faculties, we will continue to advocate for parity of esteem in practice, ensuring that community mental health services are resourced, supported, and held to the same standards of timely care as the rest of the NHS.”