BPS responds to government's "Plan for Change"

Responding to the Government's Plan for Change, which included a commitment to cut NHS waiting lists and improving living standards, President of the British Psychological Society Dr Roman Raczka said:

On cutting NHS waiting lists: 

"We welcome the government's aspirations to reduce NHS waiting lists and meet the 18-week target from referral to treatment. However, an NHS that is "Fit for the future" is only achievable if you have a well workforce. 

"With increasing numbers of healthcare staff leaving the sector entirely, with many citing burnout, we must prioritise the health and wellbeing of those who care for us. To create a resilient workforce, the government must also invest in psychologically-led mental health and wellbeing support services for healthcare professionals. This will help reverse the trend of staff exiting the NHS and ensure staff can carry out their work effectively and safely."

On improving living standards: 

"The government's commitment to improving living standards across the country is a welcome move and much needed. More than one in three children are now living in poverty and the potentially devastating psychological impact of this should not be underestimated. Children growing up in poverty are estimated to be over four months behind their more advantaged peers when starting school at age five. 

"Our social security system must provide families with enough to afford the essentials. Such funding would significantly improve their health and well-being and help level the playing field across the UK."