Health and Social Care Bill concerns

Many Clinical Psychologists have expressed reservations with regard to the Health and Social Care Bill. A survey of members of the British Psychological Society's Division of Clinical Psychology revealed 95 per cent of those polled believe the Bill will have a detrimental effect on frontline NHS services.

In addition, the study showed 88 per cent of respondents think patients will be negatively affected by the proposed reforms - which were first introduced into parliament on January 19th 2011 - while 89 per cent said efficiency savings are already damaging psychology services.

A symposium held today, June 6th, at the London offices of the Society will see leading Clinical Psychologists debating the impact that the reforms are likely to have.

One such expert, Dr Jenifer Clegg from the University of Nottingham, is to argue: "Clinical Psychologists have an important role in responding creatively to a time of necessity and providing the evidence that will help to ensure well-informed decisions."