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UK “lagging behind” in helping mental health patients access healthcare, social services and jobs (19 January 2015)

Date: 19/01/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, UK “lagging behind” in helping mental health patients access healthcare, social services and jobs

New research by the Economist Intelligence Unit has found that access to healthcare, social services and employment in the UK for people with severe mental illness mental is falling behind other EU countries.

The Mental Health Integration Index compares mental health services and opportunities for mental health patients in the UK with those in 30 other European countries.

The UK was placed second overall in the Index – and came first in four key categories – including the provision of a stable family environment and governance, including human rights issues and efforts to combat mental health stigma.

However, the UK was placed eighth in the access to healthcare and social services category – and ninth in the employment opportunities category, Medical News Today reports.

Professor Martin Knapp – Director of the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the London School of Economics – said:

“This research highlights that finding gainful employment is a significant challenge for people suffering with severe mental ill health.

“This is likely to be further exacerbated by the limited access to healthcare and social services, which means that – despite positive efforts to integrate people with severe mental illness into society – more needs to be done to realise this.”

The report takes into account the views of independent stakeholders in mental health – including the King's Fund and the charity Mind.

Cuts to mental health budgets have prompted a backlash among mental health patients, who say they are having to wait months to access initial treatment.

Research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists has shown that only 65% of people with psychotic disorders receive any treatment.

Research for The Mental Health Integration Index is sponsored by Janssen.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors are the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on access to services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient, including initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.

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