Healthy Minds Network (HMN) Will Work With GPs To Offer A Range Of Services, UK

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice;  Anxiety / Stress;  Depression
Article Date: 13 Feb 2008 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Stoke on Trent Primary Care Trust (PCT) is to significantly invest in services to support 4000 people a year with mild to moderate mental health needs.

The trailblazing initiative to open up access to the most modern treatments will be launched in April to support people with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders and other common mental health problems.

The Healthy Minds Network (HMN) will work with GPs to offer a range of services, including psychological therapies, to help people tackle housing, money, employment, relationship and physical health issues.

The model for Healthy Minds Network has already received national recognition. The PCT has been awarded Pathfinder status for this approach to the Department of Health's drive to increase the availability of psychological therapies National mental health charity Rethink and the University of York will provide the core services of the Healthy Minds Network, following a national call for providers.

Rethink will establish three local bases. Every person referred by their GP to the Healthy Minds Network will be contacted within 48 hours. Experienced primary care mental health workers will work with individuals to decide on the best treatment and support for each individual.

Rethink will work closely with other mental health services and with more general services to make sure that people are able to exercise choice about the best help available.

PCT Chief Executive Graham Urwin said: "This scheme will directly address an area of health that has never received such significant investment. Figures show that one in four people have mental health problems at some point in their lives and 90 per cent of those are termed as mild to moderate conditions. We are excited at the prospect of working closely with Rethink and developing the network to tackle this issue."

PCT Clinical Chair Dr Steve Fawcett said: "This scheme will provide a more responsive and accessible service for many patients with mental health problems in primary care. The Healthy Minds Network will provide exciting opportunities to link in with other initiatives with other partners."

University of York Professor of Mental Health David Richards said: "People with mental health problems living in Stoke have demanded better access to a much wider range of treatment options to help them recover. I am delighted that Rethink and the University of York will be working with the people of Stoke and the PCT to make this wish a reality."

Rethink Chief Executive Paul Jenkins said: "This investment heralds an exciting new era in which the statutory and voluntary sectors combine their skills and experience to bring major improvements to the lives of thousands of people. Stoke is setting a national benchmark in tackling mental health issues and we are delighted to be playing a central role in this partnership."

Notes:

Tenders were invited to provide the core service of the HMN through national advertising and the PCT's Trust Board approved the appointment of Rethink at their meeting on January 29 2008.

The contract represents £2.25m of investment over the first 3 years

Rethink is the largest mental health charity in England, providing a wide range of services across the country.

Rethink will be working in partnership with the University of York, which has extensive clinical knowledge of working in areas of common mental health problems, psychological approaches and primary care.

Rethink and the University of York have been involved in national research and developing of models of care for mental health services in primary care, including psychology based services, often referred to as 'talking' therapies.

Rethink
University of York
Stoke PCT
National Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme