13th October 2014
New from Department of Health – Achieving Better Access to Mental Health Services by 2020
This document sets out a pathway from Government to deliver “Closing the Gap”and “No Health Without Mental Health” This will enable the setting of access and waiting time standards – the first of their kind in mental health services. For example the pathway states we would like to see rapid access to services within 24 hours for post-partum psychosis, in the perinatal period for women who have a mental health condition as well as a 95% referral take up to IAPT services within 6 weeks from referral.
The pathway also set out that they will consider developing an access and/or waiting standard for rapid access to mental health services for women in pregnancy or in the post natal period with a known or suspected mental health problem.
A clear strategy for improving the commissioning of specialised mental health care will be developed, including secure mental health services, perinatal mental health services…click here for full report
