Primary mental health care ‘could save millions’
Tuesday 20th July 2010, 2:30PM BST.
PLANS to introduce more mental health services at primary care level could save taxpayers thousands, if not millions, in benefits.
Nearly £13m. was paid out last year in sickness and invalidity benefits and mental health problems account for more than one third of the 900-plus long-term claimants.
According to the Social Security Department, this number is rising and the problem is exacerbated by gaps in Guernsey’s mental health service provision – holes that Health and Social Services and SSD are looking to fill.
‘This is a big problem at the moment. If you go to the doctor with anxiety and depression you might need counselling, but the only way to get that on a primary care level is if you are able to pay for it or have medical insurance,’ said Mental Health Service senior manager Sue Fleming (pictured).
- Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Island Life
All about Guernsey
Ambassador of the Year 2011
History & Heritage
Visitor Information
Guernsey's government
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
Useful Links
The mental health services on guernsey have been terribly underserved for years, this has to be good news, but far too late for the many that have suffered needlessly. Well done to those that have carried out despite the restrictions!
Report abuse
She’s a fine one to talk about saving costs! They need to get rid of her and the other “management” in place – it all needs a massive shake up and people with more experience brought in, that place has been in a mess for years. They don’t know how to treat their staff, the turnover of staff at that place is shocking!
Report abuse
Worst is the lot at Bell House. They think they are doing a great job but they have no management to tell them their service is really poor. They sit down and pat each other on the back and there is nobody to challenge them. It is madness! One psychologist lives in England and flies over every week and stays in hotels, all at our expense. He has just been paid to go on a course in the USA and all with our money. Somebody needs to check whether the lot at Bell House have ever really helped anybody.
Report abuse