A pressure cooker situation

The BPS and Association of Clinical Psychologists UK (ACP-UK) have warned the government over 'clinically dangerous' indecision over funding for mental health support and wellbeing hubs for NHS and social care staff. The organisations have appealed to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to commit to a minimum of one year's transitional ring-fenced funding for the 40 hubs in England.

Launched by NHS England in February 2021, the 40 staff mental health and wellbeing hubs provide health and social care workers with free, confidential and rapid access to assessment and support from dedicated local mental health services. Data seen by the BPS and ACP-UK from 11 hubs have shown an average 72 per cent year-on-year increase in referrals from NHS and social care staff seeking help for their own mental health. However, government funding was due to end in March, leaving the hubs in limbo.

Professor Tony Lavender, Workforce and Training Lead for the British Psychological Society's Division of Clinical Psychology, said: 'The nature of trauma means that mental health problems caused by, or exacerbated by, the pandemic are only just starting to come to the surface for some staff, so it is vital that the hubs remain in place to give them the help they need, when they need it, as well as support with other issues. 

Without the support the hubs provide, staff will have to join lengthy waiting lists for the already overstretched mental health services, and need to take sickness absences. Some may not seek help at all. Through no fault of their own, this pressure cooker situation will have significant implications for patient and client care, which is far from why professionals enter the health and social care professions.'

In related news, the BPS has welcomed a report from the National Audit Office on mental health service improvements, which the Society contributed to. The Progress in improving mental health services in England report  outlined the steps the NHS had taken to close the gap between physical and mental health services. However, it concluded that services remain under pressure and many people using them report poor experiences. 

BPS Chief Executive, Sarb Bajwa, said the report painted a clear picture of a service which was largely failing to meet the needs of those needing mental health support. 'Investment in prevention and early intervention services in local communities is fundamental to making sure people get the help they need, when they need it, before they reach crisis point.

We've been calling for funding for more psychologists in the NHS for some time to meet the needs of the rising number of patients presenting with more complex mental health conditions. We need a mental health workforce strategy that will provide services with the appropriate level of resources and expertise, support retention, and enable staff to provide the level of service patients deserve.

It is key that the NHS workforce receives the mental health and wellbeing support it needs, and we strongly advise the government to continue ring-fenced funding for NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs.'