Jessica O'ConnorIn response to the Government’s announcement of plans to boost mental health care through the NHS Ten-Year Health Plan, the British Medical Association (BMA) has expressed cautious support while raising concerns about workforce shortages and the limitations of digital solutions.
Dr Andrew Molodynski, the BMA’s mental health policy lead, acknowledged the recognition of the system’s shortcomings as a positive step but warned that deeper, structural issues remain unaddressed.
He said: “The BMA has long warned that the NHS mental health care system is broken, so it is welcome that the Government are acknowledging the need to improve mental health support and access in the Ten-Year Health Plan.”
Molodynski pointed to the ongoing recruitment efforts but emphasised that front-line doctors continue to report a system under immense strain.
He added: “While recruitment efforts are ongoing, the voices of doctors on the front line report a system that is still struggling to cope as the lack of skilled and trained staff means patients are routinely failed as demand for mental health care far outstrips current capacity.”
Highlighting the need for a skilled workforce, Dr Molodynski warned that current staffing levels are insufficient even to meet today’s demand.
He also expressed concern about the potential impact of specialist mental health A&E units, which he argued might further entrench the divide between mental and physical health care.
He said: “There are concerns that the use of specialist mental health A&Es could widen the divide between physical and mental health care and risk diverting resource and staff away from acute hospitals and community mental health teams.”
To avoid missteps, he urged that any changes be supported by rigorous, funded clinical trials to guide long-term policy.
Molodynski concluded with a call for robust financial backing, warning that without adequate investment, the proposed reforms risk failing the very patients they are meant to help.
He said: “It is crucial that Government commits to funding levels that reflect the true scale of mental health needs for both children and adults – without that these latest reforms risk falling short of delivering the changes that patients and staff desperately need.”
