The UK government made a major announcement this morning with a statement pledging the NHS will deliver ongoing in depth mental health therapy to anyone diagnosed with an issue within 15 years of that first diagnosis.
The move is good news for patients who have a new diagnosis within the last 6 months but the pledge does not extend to previously diagnosed people who will have to now get a fresh diagnosis to be able to take advantage of the new ‘fast track to wellbeing’ strategy
MIXED REACTIONS
There have been mixed reactions from the public with people taking to FaceBook to air their opinions. Rosa Fellkasteap said “I’m so happy, I’ve been struggling for a while and was eventually diagnosed last week after 4 years of asking for help, I thought therapy was never going to happen but now I’ve got an appointment date of 6th July 2040.”
Not so happy was Hester Tisias “Fucking outrageous! I’ve was diagnosed with serious mental health issues in 1987 and my therapy was due to start in August this year, I get a letter this morning saying that has now been cancelled and I’ll need to get for a new diagnosis to be on this new fast track scheme, my new appointment is in 2029 and then it will be another 15 fucking years after that of this depressing shit before any help is on the horizon.”
NEW FUNDING
Secretary for NHS mental health Olive Bassflouy told us “We are proud of our new ‘Fast Track To WellBeing’ scheme which will allow millions of UK citizens to access much needed mental health support. We are training and employing 17 new therapists over the next few years to make sure this is a success. There will be substantial investment with funding for 6 new portacabins in doctors carparks to house therapy sessions.
