What's primary care?
Primary care is the first service you see when you're getting healthcare. It could be your GP or your dentist, for example.
Each year, 1 in 4 of us experience a mental health problem. Most of us who get treatment receive it in primary care. And when we see our GP, 1 in 3 appointments involve some mention of mental health.
Our research shows that almost 90% of primary care staff experience workplace stress. 2 in 5 GPs said they had experienced a mental health problem.
That's why mental health support for both patients and staff in primary care is crucial.
"The most important take home message from my hospital training is that people need time - time to talk and time to be understood. Time is what is limited in general practice. We only have 10 minutes and with an increasing work-load and depleted work force."
Dr Sara Ahmed, who's been working in general practice for almost 14 years. Read Dr Ahmed's story.
Improving mental health training
40% of GP appointments are related to mental health. It's important that all GP staff, including GPs, practice nurses, receptionists and managers get relevant, good quality and continuing mental health training.
We're working to understand the gaps in mental health training for primary care staff. We've written a report with recommendations to improve mental health training for GPs and practice nurses.
