BPS responds to the Darzi Review and PM's speech

Responding to Lord Darzi's review of the NHS in England and the Prime Minister's speech this morning, Dr Roman Raczka, President of the British Psychological Society, said:

"We welcome the government's aspirations for the NHS to place a greater focus on community care and preventative services. Research has consistently shown that prevention is more cost-effective than cure. By prioritising the nation's wellbeing and investing in primary prevention services, we can prevent many thousands of people from reaching crisis point. 

"The findings from the Darzi review also highlight the need for urgent investment in the mental health and wellbeing of the NHS workforce. We agree with Lord Darzi's findings that there has been a detrimental impact on the psychological wellbeing of NHS staff since the pandemic and its aftermath.

"With over 112,000 vacancies, growing operational pressures and a continued lack of adequate mental health and wellbeing support, the workforce needs the urgent attention they deserve. However, following the closure of the majority of the NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, too many NHS staff are concerningly without psychologically-led support services.  

"The NHS can only thrive, and patients can only access the high-quality services and care they need, if we have a 'well' workforce, and staff mental health and wellbeing must be a core priority. We remain committed to working with the government and the NHS to make this happen."