Proposed clinical improvements aim to deliver rapid assessment and treatment for patients with the most serious conditions — and expand short waits for millions more NHS patients. NHS National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis announced the proposals, which have been developed by some of the country’s leading clinicians, working with local health leaders and patient […]

People who arrive at A&E experiencing a mental health crisis will receive emergency care within one hour under NHS pilot schemes aimed at improving care and saving more lives. The new standard, a significant step towards parity of esteem for mental health, is among a raft of proposed clinical improvements that aim to deliver rapid […]

Hundreds of people will receive therapy to counteract the impact of harmful social media, as part of a new NHS service for the rare eating disorder diabulimia. Patients will be coached to deal with unrealistic body images amid increasing concerns about the potential damage social media can have on young peoples’ mental health. Diabulimia is […]

Scott Mitchell, the husband of acting legend Barbara Windsor, has today issued a Valentine’s Day call for people to heed NHS advice and check loved ones for signs of dementia. The couple have spoken movingly about the former EastEnders and Carry On star’s battle with the disease in an effort to raise awareness about the […]

Superdrug will introduce new mental health checks for customers who want to undergo cosmetic procedures, after England’s top doctor called on the beauty chain and other providers to do more to protect people against body image pressures. NHS medical director Professor Stephen Powis wrote to Superdrug raising concerns after the company announced it would be […]

People should look out for signs of depression and dementia among older family members and friends over Christmas, NHS England expert Professor Alistair Burns urged today. Problems that may have been hidden can come to the surface or be easier to spot as families or friends get together over the festive season, Prof Burns said. […]

Thousands more veterans who struggle with civilian life will benefit from new and expanded NHS services, including mental health support, as part of the NHS’ long term plan. A new dedicated crisis service will provide intensive support to scores of the most vulnerable former soldiers, sailors and air men and women battling alcohol, drugs and […]

Thousands of Londoners experiencing a mental health crisis will be sent a specialist nurse and a paramedic in a car on blue lights. By responding together, the specialist ambulance crew is expected to reduce mental health hospital admissions from 58,000 to 30,000 per year once it is rolled out across the capital. The London Ambulance […]

New and expectant fathers will be offered mental health checks and treatment under radical action to support families, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens announced today (2 December 2018). In the landmark move, the partners of pregnant women and new mothers who are themselves suffering from anxiety, depression or more severe disorders such as psychosis […]

The families of over 300 children with epilepsy and other neurological diagnoses have avoided having to travel nearly 30,000 miles of hospital trips after two hospitals joined forces to provide care closer to home. The new partnership between two hospital trusts has reduced the need for children to miss school for medical appointments, minimised days […]