Mental Health Network Comment On 18 Week Waiting Time Legislation

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 12 Nov 2009 - 4:00 PST

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Commenting on the plans to enshrine waiting times in law, Mental Health Network director Steve Shrubb said:

"Some patients will undoubtedly support and benefit from this measure yet we can not lose sight of the fact that over 12 per cent of the NHS budget is spent on mental health which this policy does not concern.

"The NHS constitution, on which this announcement is based, specifically talks about mental and physical health yet many people wait a long time for access to talking therapies and other mental health services which will not be covered by this law. We need to acknowledge the fundamental point that this new proposal does not treat mental and physical illness equally."

Notes

The Mental Health Network represents the majority of mental health trusts. It was launched in spring 2007 to provide a distinct voice for providers of NHS mental health services.

Source
The NHS Confederation