Psychologists call for Department of Health and Social Care

20 July 2010; Embargo: For immediate release

The British Psychological Society has welcomed the publication of the white paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, but warned against the possible fragmentation of services.

The Society supports the white paper's vision of services led by clinicians in partnership with patients, but believes it is important that clinicians are aware of the latest evidence so that these services are based on evidence rather than ideology. The Society therefore welcomes the white paper’s support for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and for evidence-based Quality Standards in the National Health Service.

We suggest, further, that access to NICE-recommended psychological therapies and interventions, recognised by Mind's 'We Need to Talk' campaign as insufficiently available within many service areas, becomes a key measure of the quality of mental health services. The Society is keen to advise the government on this and on using the scientific evidence base to ensure that valid and relevant measures of health and well-being are used.

Dr Gerry Mulhern, President of the Society, says: 'Given what we know about human reactions and organisational change, the Society cautions against an unrealistic timetable for implementation. The services must continue to be provided during the transition period, however desirable the direction of travel.'

Dr Jenny Taylor, chair of the Society's Division of Clinical Psychology, says: 'We welcome the intention to promote joint working between Health and Social Care, but are concerned about children's services. Children's mental health straddles two departments (the Department of Education and the Department of Health) and risks getting lost between them.

'We would like to see the health and social care needs of all citizens, whatever their age, were overseen by one government department - a Department of Health and Social Care.'

Dr Carole Allan, chair of the Society's Professional Practice Board, says: 'We welcome the public health approach that the white paper takes, particularly its emphasis on prevention and behaviour change.'

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Calder at the British Psychological Society (tel: 0116 252 9502)

Ref: PR1790