It is vital that mental health is given due priority in the 10 Year Health Plan

Responding to publication of a Care Quality Commission community mental health survey 2024 the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"These findings underline how vital it is that mental health is given due priority in the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan and refreshed long term workforce plan.

"Services are coming under huge and growing pressure.

"Many are overstretched with very significant staff shortages.

"Despite some welcome improvements in access, far too many patients experience long delays, gaps in care and inadequate support.

"The findings for young people using Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are a particular concern.

"Trust leaders and frontline staff are only too aware of what it means for patients when care falls short.

"Welcome work has been under way in recent years to deliver new models of community mental health care, but given past underfunding and lack of prioritisation of mental health services, we need sustained focus and long term funding to make further progress."