萝莉视频

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Dr Lade Smith, President of the 萝莉视频 said in response to the- Government’s plan to rebuild the NHS in working class communities:

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to addressing health inequalities, particularly the intention to reinvest resources in communities that have long been underserved by the NHS.

“We know that social disadvantage is more prevalent in working class communities, that poverty negatively impacts people’s mental health and that people with severe mental illnesses are often more vulnerable to poor socio-economic circumstances. Inequality therefore significantly contributes to the disproportionate rates of mental illness in predominantly working-class areas, which have historically been underserved by the NHS. Higher prevalence incurs a greatest cost to the NHS in these areas, investing funding now will support people to live better in the longer-term – reducing costs for services in time.

“Recognising the inverse care law and moving to rebalance NHS provision across working class and coastal areas is a step in the right direction.

“However, closing the health gap cannot be achieved without a clear and sustained focus on mental health. Unfortunately, when mental health care isn’t explicitly mentioned in guidance or funding, it often isn’t prioritised – the Government must be clear to Trusts and ICBs that mental health inequalities have to be addressed alongside physical health inequalities.

“Sadly, people facing the greatest inequalities, including those living in areas that have historically been underserved by the NHS, are often the least likely to access treatment for mental health problems, and often experience worse outcomes even when they do gain access. Digital exclusion, stigma, and structural barriers continue to prevent timely access to support. Certain ethnic groups remain disproportionately detained under the Mental Health Act, a clear indicator of systemic inequity. While we welcome reforms to the Act, wider systemic and non-legislative changes are also essential.

“After adjusting for mental health need, spending on mental health services per person is almost double the level in the highest spending ICB compared to the lowest spending (?354.18 in South Staffs and Stoke compared to ?181.86 in NE London). In 2023/24, RCPsych found that working class areas such as Blackpool had the highest prevalence of SMI at 1.6% compared to just 0.6% in more middle class and affluent areas such as South Staffordshire, Wokingham, Surrey Heath and South Gloucestershire.

“A truly equitable health system must deliver parity of esteem between physical and mental health. This means not only improving access to psychological services and community mental health teams, but also ensuring mental health care is embedded in broader NHS reforms. We hope to see the recognition of the importance of improving mental health services in the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan.

“Tackling inequalities in health, particularly in mental health, is not something the NHS can do alone. We urge the Government to take a whole society approach and ensure this plan is supported by robust policies across housing, education, employment, and social care to address the social determinants which drive poor mental health. The proposed benefits reform, resulting in the reduction of financial support for many people living with severe mental illness, will likely negate the positive impact any increased funding could have. There must be a consistent approach. Without such a supplementary cross-Government strategy, we risk missing a critical opportunity to improve the lives of those who need support most.”