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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Bringing improvement at “scale and pace” is key to NHS England’s future mental health services plan, a high-powered Westminster Health Forum has been told. Dr Geraldine Strathdee told delegates at the keynote seminar in London: “I think we have a fantastic, a really excellent mental health policy. But it’s all about implementation.” NHS England’s national […]

The Quality Premium (this document is no longer available here but can be found on the National Archives website) rewards clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) for improving the quality of services they commission and for associated improvements in health outcomes and reducing inequalities. It is based on a number of different measures that are set each […]

NHS England’s national clinical director for mental health, Dr Geraldine Strathdee, today called for a drive aimed at improving care for psychosis patients across the country. Dr Strathdee told 150 delegates at the National Psychosis Summit to share best practice and help put together an action plan for making improvements to care across the country. […]