25.11.13
Health service must close mental health mortality gap
The NHS must take action to close the “shocking” mortality gap between people with mental illness and the rest of the population, as data shows that life expectancies are about ten years shorter.
People with mental illness are at increased risk of the top five killers, including stroke, liver and respiratory diseases and some forms of cancer.
Targeted cancer screening, regular checks for cardiovascular disease and physical health and smoking cessation programmes should be improved, NHS England has urged.
The average life expectancy for men with mental illness is 68 years, compared to 79 for those without. Women with mental illness lived to an average of 73, while women in the general population have a life expectancy of 83.
Geraldine Strathdee, national clinical director for mental health for NHS England said: “We must design a service that meets the needs of its users, and not expect users to fit in with the services we design.
“We must also work hard to prevent those with physical health problems developing mental health issues. It is clear to me that physical and mental health issues cannot be separated – and our approach to care must change to reflect this.”
Martin McShane, director for patients with long-term conditions for NHS England said: “The 'mortality gap' we see today is shocking. It is not acceptable people with mental health conditions die younger. For too long, physical and mental health problems have been treated separately and people do not get the services they need every time … We must act to ensure mental health is on a par with physical health.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]