Why the Mental Health 5 Year Forward View is Critical for Improving Access to Care
The Mental Health 5 Year Forward View is a strategy proposed by the National Health Service (NHS) in England to address the growing demand for mental health care services. It outlines a set of ambitious goals aimed at improving the quality of care and access to services for people suffering from mental health problems. This article will explain the importance of this strategy and how it can have a positive impact on the lives of people experiencing mental health issues.
The Prevalence of Mental Health Problems
Mental health problems are common, affecting one in four people in the UK. These conditions can have a severe impact on the individual’s quality of life, as well as their families and social networks. Unfortunately, many people who experience mental health problems do not receive the support they need due to lack of resources, limited access to care or social stigma.
The Mental Health 5 Year Forward View
The Mental Health 5 Year Forward View was launched in 2016 to address these gaps in care. The strategy outlines a set of ambitious goals that include improving access to care, increasing funding for mental health services and integrating mental health care with other healthcare services.
Improving Access to Care
One of the primary goals of the Mental Health 5 Year Forward View is to improve access to care for people experiencing mental health problems. This includes expanding the workforce, increasing investment in digital services and developing new community-based services. The aim is to provide a range of services to suit individual needs and deliver care closer to home.
Increasing Funding for Mental Health Services
The Mental Health 5 Year Forward View also seeks to increase funding for mental health services. The government has committed to investing an additional £1 billion in mental health services by 2021, which will help provide more staff and resources to meet the growing demand.
Integrating Mental Health Care with Other Healthcare Services
Furthermore, the strategy aims to integrate mental health care with medical care. Mental health problems can often be overlooked or stigmatised in traditional healthcare settings. By bringing mental health care into the mainstream, it will become easier for people to access the care they need, when they need it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mental Health 5 Year Forward View is critical in improving access to care for people experiencing mental health problems. The strategy is ambitious and realistic, addressing the gaps in mental health care in England. With increased funding, expanded workforce and patient-centred community-based services, it is hoped that people experiencing mental health problems will receive the support they deserve and enjoy more fulfilling lives.
