The Royal College of Psychiatrists welcomes a new report from the
London School of Economics,
How
mental health loses out in the NHS, which is published
today.
The report, published by the Mental Health
Policy Group – a distinguished team of economists, psychologists,
doctors and NHS managers convened by Professor Lord Layard of the
LSE Centre for Economic Performance, asked does the NHS give
sufficient priority to mental health.
Professor Sue Bailey, President of the Royal
College of Psychiatrists, said: "‘We welcome the new report that
explicitly recognises the need for mental health to be on an equal
footing with physical health. It is vital at a time of austerity
for the NHS that mental and physical health care receive equal
resources – particularly as mental health problems tend to be more
widespread in times of economic hardship.
"We recognise that people with mental
illnesses and those who care for them are particularly vulnerable.
"We look forward to working alongside commissioners and other
stakeholders to ensure that the care of, and services for, those
with mental ill health, continues to improve."
For further information, please
contact:
Liz Leicester
or Deborah Hart in the Communications
Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127