GPs unable to get patients the psychological help they need
GPs say they are unable to get patients psychological help within referral time
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Sunday, 21, Mar 2010 02:49
By Sarah Garrod.
A survey of GPs has shown they are struggling to get patients with depression to the psychological help they need within two months of referral.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) said only 15 per cent of GPs can usually get psychological therapy for adults who need it within two months of referral, with this figure dropping to just six per cent for children.
The survey was carried out as part of a campaign calling for better access to 'talking' or psychological therapies, spearheaded by the mental health charity Mind and the economist Professor Lord Richard Layard, with support from the RCGP, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the New Savoy Partnership.
The campaign is challenging political parties to make a guarantee in their general election manifestos to offer, within five years, evidence-based psychological therapies to all who need them within 28 days of requesting referral.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends talking therapies as the best treatment for mild and moderate depression.
RCGP chairman Professor Steve Field said: "Patients are entitled to the treatments which NICE recommends.
"There has been substantial improvement in the last few years but there is a long way to go."
While Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, added: "Talking therapies can save lives, and when someone is assessed as being in need of counselling or cognitive behavioral therapy, it is crucial that they can start treatment as soon as possible."