Mind responds to mental health staff targets: 'More fundamental rethink about mental health services needed'
Mental health staff targets are positive news, but we need a more fundamental rethink about mental health services.
In response to news that the UK Government has hit its target to recruit 8,500 additional mental health workers three years ahead of schedule,
Tom Pollard, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns, said:
“Today’s announcement is positive news. There is desperate need for greater staff capacity in the mental health system and the government deserves recognition for its efforts to hit this target ahead of schedule.
“Sadly, demand for mental health services continues to outstrip supply, and many staff are already under significant pressure - which affects both the quality-of-care patients receive and staff wellbeing. We look forward to the new workforce strategy and a clear roadmap for how the system will meet rising demands and increasingly complex needs.
“Alongside this, we need a more fundamental rethink about access to high-quality care, because too many people are still waiting too long for support, which often then doesn’t meet their needs. The government should look to models like the proposals for “open access” services in Wales as a blueprint for more ambitious reform to ensure people can get timely, high-quality help before reaching crisis point.”
