More choice promised for NHS patients who need talking therapies

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NHS patients will have more freedom to choose where they go for their healthcare from April 2012, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today. More choice will mean that when patients are referred for selected services, usually by their GP, they should be able to choose from a range of qualified providers who meet NHS quality, [read the full story…]

Government action to prevent suicide and better support the bereaved

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A new consultation on preventing suicide has been launched today by the Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow.  Bereaved families and experts in general practice, local government, transport, mental health and criminal justice will all help to inform a new strategy to be published in the New Year following a 3-month consultation phase. One person dies [read the full story…]

UK physical activity guidelines published by the Department of Health

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Physical activity has an important role to play in promoting mental health and well-being by preventing mental health problems and improving the quality of life of those experiencing mental health problems and illnesses. For example, evidence shows that physical activity can reduce the risk of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. It also shows that physical activity [read the full story…]

Will the Family Nurse Partnership model work in the UK?

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Family Nurse Partnership is a preventive programme for vulnerable first time young mothers. It offers intensive and structured home visiting, delivered by specially trained nurses, from early pregnancy until the child is two. The Family Nurse Partnership began in England in 2007 with initial testing in 10 sites. There are now over 50 sites across [read the full story…]

Route map for dementia research published by the Department of Health

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The Ministerial Advisory Group on Dementia Research, chaired by Paul Burstow, M.P., Minister of State for Care Services, has been working over the last 18 months on proposals to increase the volume, quality and impact of dementia research. The Advisory Group has now completed its work and produced its final Headline Report, with a detailed [read the full story…]

Papers from the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Mental Health Strategy

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The Department of Health have published a set of papers from the first meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Mental Health Strategy, chaired by Paul Burstow, Minister of State for Care Services.  The Minister leads on overseeing the implementation of No health without mental Health: a cross-government mental health outcomes strategy for people of [read the full story…]

The common core principles for supporting people with dementia

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The Department of Health has commissioned Skills for Care and Skills for Health to produce new guidance for health and social care professionals who work with people who have dementia. The publication provides guidance for leaders and managers, commissioners and training and education leads to develop a workforce that can create dementia friendly settings. It [read the full story…]