Guardian publishes BASW co-signed letter on fears over mental health cuts
BASW is a signatory to a letter in today’s Guardian expressing members’ concerns about reported further cuts to NHS mental health services.
The decision by NHS England and the health regulator Monitor to recommend cutting funding for mental health services by 20% more than that for acute hospitals has attracted widespread criticism from the sector.
Today’s letter, signed on behalf of members by Chair of BASW’s Mental Health Forum Faye Wilson, was issued in conjunction with a number of partner organisations including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Nursing. It draws attention to the reported cuts constituting a breach of the principle of parity of esteem for mental and physical health.
On Wednesday, Sean Duggan, Chief Executive, Centre for Mental Health; Jenny Edward, Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation; Stephen Dalton, Chief Executive, Mental Health Network; Paul Farmer, Chief Executive, Mind; Mark Winstanle, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness; Professor Sue Bailey, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, signed an initial letter to the Guardian. Read the letter here