Press release: Mental Health Network welcomes new talking therapy pilot schemes

31 Jul 2007

Commenting on the announcement by Ivan Lewis MP, Steve Shrubb, the director of the NHS Confederation's Mental Health Network which represents the majority of mental health trusts, said:

"When the Mental Health Network was set up in May this year, mental health leaders were unanimous that improving access to services such as talking therapies should be a central part of their work. We very much welcome the Minister's announcement today.

"It is especially relevant that this announcement comes in the same week as the Healthcare Commission and CSCI's report on community adult mental health services. The regulators recognise the good work that has been done, while pointing out that improvement is needed - especially around access to talking therapies. We need to make sure thatthe work of the pilots is carried over into improving services for all patients and their families."

Notes for editors

The Mental Health Network represents the majority of mental health trusts. It was launched in spring 2007 to provide a distinct voice for providers of NHS mental health services.

The NHS Confederation represents more than 90% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.

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