§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on how his Department ensures that every mental health patient has access to a general practitioner [86160]
§ Jacqui SmithImproving the quality of and access to care is a strategic priority for the National Health Service. Anyone, including those with mental health problems, ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom is eligible for free treatment by a general practitioner.
In addition, NHS Direct (0845 4647), the nurse-led telephone helpline, now provides a country-wide confidential, consistent source of advice on health care, including mental health care, round the clock so people can manage their problems at home or be re-directed to the appropriate place.
We have also taken action to strengthen the mental health support that GPs provide. For example, 1,000 new primary care mental health workers and 500 more community mental health staff (`Gateway' workers) will be appointed by 2004 to help GPs manage care for people with mental health problems of all ages, including those in a crisis.
Further information about these initiatives can be found on the mental health website at www.doh.qov.uk/mentalhealth.