Responding to the Government's announcement of plans to boost mental health care in the NHS, BMA mental health policy lead Dr Andrew Molodynski said:

“The BMA has long warned that the NHS mental health care system is broken, so it is welcome that the Government are acknowledging the need to improve mental health support and access in the Ten-Year Health Plan.

“While recruitment efforts are ongoing, the voices of doctors on the front line report a system that is still struggling to cope as the lack of skilled and trained staff means patients are routinely failed as demand for mental health care far outstrips current capacity.

“Improving access to mental health support via the app and AI, while possibly helping some people to maintain their wellbeing, is no substitute for in-person evidence-based care for those who have more complex mental health needs and for those who need more immediate care or support. Patients are already able to self-refer to the NHS’s main talking therapies programme in England, so we look forward to seeing how these plans result in tangible benefits to patients.

“A highly skilled workforce must be in place to meet such an increase in demand and we know that the NHS is currently unable to meet existing demand. There are concerns that the use of specialist mental health A&Es could widen the divide between physical and mental health care and risk diverting resource and staff away from acute hospitals and community mental health teams. Rigorous evaluation in the form of funded clinical trials should accompany these changes and be used in longer term decision making.

“It is crucial that Government commits to funding levels that reflect the true scale of mental health needs for both children and adults - without that these latest reforms risk falling short of delivering the changes that patients and staff desperately need.”

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.