20.12.12
Psychological therapies drive for severe mental illness
A new scheme will improve care and treatment for people with severe mental illness, care minister Norman Lamb has announced.
This includes reducing medication where appropriate for patients with schizophrenia and psychosis. Six NHS pilot sites are being supported by an additional £1.2m, recommending the use of psychological therapies.
The funding will be used to help trusts share information with other health organisations about how they deliver the best treatments, demonstrating how people can get better access and sharing good practice.
The results will be published next year, and will cover good quality data on how services can be improved, identifying clinical, non-clinical and economic benefits.
Lamb said: “For too long people with the most severe mental illnesses and personality disorders have suffered from poor care, or have been over prescribed anti-psychotic medications. We are prioritising mental health like never before, making sure that it sits on par with physical health.
“We want to see massive improvements in treatment for people with severe mental illnesses, including better access to psychological therapies. I am looking forward to seeing the results of our pilots and an improvement in care for those most in need.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]