NHS Confederation responds to Major Conditions Strategy consultation launch

Responding to the announcement that the Department for Health and Social Care has launched a consultation on the Major Conditions Strategy, and will be including evidence previously submitted to the government’s now redundant Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan last year, Sean Duggan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network, said:

“We are pleased to see that the government plans to use the evidence it has already gathered to inform this new major conditions strategy especially as this included important testimony from those with lived experience of mental health issues.

“This summary of last year’s findings highlights the ongoing challenges to improve services and support for people who need to access mental health services, and ultimately to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the population.  In particular, it is good to see the recognition of the very real need to improve early intervention including for children and young people.  

“The government’s forthcoming major conditions strategy provides an opportunity to address issues in mental health services, tackle the risk factors for mental health problems, and move towards a greater parity between physical and mental health provision but it is crucial that is accompanied by the extra investment the sector so desperately needs.”