News

NHS England Chief Executive committed to improving dementia diagnosis

NHS England is committed to pushing up dementia diagnosis rates, Chief Executive Simon Stevens has told the Alzheimer’s Society Conference today. The pledge comes as NHS England publishes a new Dementia Toolkit aimed at helping GPs make more timely diagnosis of the crippling condition and, importantly, what they can do in terms of vital post-diagnostic support. […]

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NHS England welcomes new ‘personalised’ mental health resource

NHS England’s Clinical Director for Mental Health, Geraldine Strathdee has welcomed the launch of a new mental health resource which describes what personalised, coordinated care and support looks like. Mental health services should consider “who I am, what’s important to me, how I wish to be supported and how people behave with me” – according […]

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NHS England takes action to improve access to specialised mental health services for children and young people

NHS England is taking urgent action to improve access to specialised inpatient mental health services for children and young people after publishing a “frank and honest” report on current provision. For England as a whole, the report says “it is impossible to conclude definitively whether the current level of bed provision is sufficient to meet […]

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Revolution in mental health information is launched

The launch of the new Mental Health Dementia and Neurology Intelligence Networks (MHDNIN) represents a “revolution in information”. That is the view of Dr Geraldine Strathdee, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Mental Health, who said: “I am absolutely delighted to be part of this launch which marks the culmination of many months of partnership […]

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NHS England’s Professor welcomes Dementia-friendly charter

Technology to make life easier and safer for dementia patients NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Dementia, Professor Alistair Burns, has welcomed the Alzheimer’s Society launch of its dementia-friendly technology charter, helping people with dementia live at home for longer. The charity has created a landmark guide improving access to life-changing technology including products and […]

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New tool to give people with mental illness better care for their physical health

The Lester Tool will help frontline staff make assessments of cardiac and metabolic health, helping to cut mortality for people with mental illnesses NHS England today launches a vital new tool aimed at helping front line staff make key interventions and treatment for people with mental illnesses. The Lester Tool is a summary poster to guide […]

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Guidance published on patients’ choice in mental health care

NHS England has today published guidance for commissioners, GPs and providers to help them support patients to choose their mental health care. From 1 April 2014 patients with mental health conditions have had the same rights as physical health patients to choose where they have their first outpatient appointment. They are able to choose any clinically […]

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Mental health staff to introduce physical ‘MOT’ to reduce deaths

Thousands of mental health staff will soon be giving lifestyle MOTs to patients as well as assessing psychological health to reduce avoidable deaths. Mental health trusts all over the country will now receive financial rewards for carrying out the checks, including smoking status, diet, weight, blood pressure, glucose and fats or lipids, and ensuring identified […]

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We must improve medication safety in mental health care

Improving medication safety in mental health is imperative, Dr Geraldine Strathdee stressed today. NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Mental Health said: “We must make sure we tackle the higher levels of mortality and reduced life expectancy in patients with mental illness and we are committed to pushing mental health to the top of the […]

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NHS England Director welcomes Mental Health Week

NHS England’s Director for Long Term Conditions Martin McShane has today welcomed the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week by the Mental Health Foundation. He praised the Foundation’s work, this year highlighting issues around anxiety. Dr Martin McShane said: “We welcome the results from the Mental Health Foundation report which show just how many people […]

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