Commenting on Alan Johnson’s
announcement today regarding mental health services within primary
care, Professor Mayur Lakhani, RCGP Chairman, said:
“We welcome this announcement for greater access to talking
therapies: it really is a major step in the right direction. The
Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is in full support of
the proposal, which it has been calling for for some
time.
“As a practising GP, everyday I see
patients suffering from clinical anxiety and depression. These
patients have panic attacks or depression, often so debilitating
that they cannot get on with their lives. Often they cannot hold
down a job and need time off work, or they have difficulty in
developing and maintaining effective relationships. They cannot
lead fulfilling lives and their potential is never reached.
“The RCGP urges the Department of
Health and Primary Care Trusts to work closely with GPs in ensuring
these treatments will be easily available to patients visiting GP
surgeries.”
Ends
10 October 2007
Press contact: RCGP Press Office