New GP-led commissioners failing to listen to mental health patients, according to new report
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) must do more to involve people with mental illness and their families when making spending decisions, according to a new report published today by the charity Rethink Mental Illness.
The charity interviewed representatives from thirty CCGs and found that just a third are regularly involving people with mental illness and their families in decisions about services in their area.
The rest were only engaging with this group in a sporadic way, for example with one-off events, rather than building ongoing relationships.
The survey found that 1 in 10 CCGs are not talking to patients and families affected by mental illness at all.
Paul Jenkins, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness said: “We were told that the new NHS would put patients at its heart, but the early indication is that this isn’t happening in most areas. CCGs have a legal duty to consult with patients and their families, so it’s worrying that 1 in 10 aren’t doing this at all. We’re pleased to see that some are getting it right, which shows it can be done. We found some excellent examples of good practice, which are highlighted in the report. Now we need other areas to follow suit.”
The report recommends that CCGs should build partnerships with local mental health networks and groups to develop plans for ongoing conversations with them. They also suggest that community groups and voluntary sector organisations should offer CCGs and local authorities support with planning local services.
The report also found that while over 80% of CCGs said mental health was a priority, most are focussing their budgets on narrow incentivised areas. In particular, they are investing in Increasing Access to Talking Therapies (IAPT) for people with anxiety and depression.
The charity welcomed increased investment in this area, but warned that wider investment is needed. The report urges NHS England to develop better measures and incentives to help ensure other areas of mental health, such as Early Intervention for Psychosis services, don’t lose out.
ENDS
For more information and to see the full report, please contact Rachel Whitehead, News and Media Manager for Rethink Mental Illness on 0207 840 3138 or email rachel.whitehead@rethink.org
Notes to editors
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.
For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.
We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.
We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.
For more information go to www.rethink.org
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