Andy Burnham makes main NHS change from autumn with 11-word assertion
The Labour Prime Minister is aiming to give people earlier local support and specialist mental health crisis care outside A&E, with 159 new NHS mental health hubs opening across England
It’s part of a £343m scheme(Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images)
Andy Burnham has announced a massive expansion of community mental health provision nationwide. The Labour Prime Minister is targeting earlier local intervention and specialist crisis treatment beyond A&E departments.
In an effort to ease NHS pressures, Burnham’s Downing Street office has today unveiled a £343m scheme that will establish 159 NHS mental health hubs across England. As many as 159 fresh NHS mental health facilities will launch throughout England starting this autumn, the government has announced.
This ensures individuals in crisis will receive dedicated mental health emergency treatment rather than enduring lengthy waits in overcrowded A&E departments. The initial locations will commence operations from autumn this year, with additional facilities launching from March 2027.
It’s a massive expansion(Image: Richard Baker, In Pictures via Getty Images)
Burnham stated: “Nobody should be left to struggle with their mental health alone. But every day, thousands of people are waiting months for help, then finding the only door open to them is a busy A&E.
“These new centres will be a lifeline for so many. They will bring NHS services closer to home, making it easier to get support before problems get worse, and ensuring those in crisis get the right care in the right place.”, reports Birmingham Live.
“On the steps of Downing Street, I said we would build a country that acts sooner when people need help. Today is just the start of making that a reality.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper commented: “Too many people are only getting mental health support when they reach crisis point, after struggling for far too long to get the help they need.
“These new community mental health centres will help people get support earlier and closer to home, making it easier to get the right care before problems escalate.
And when someone does need urgent help, new mental health emergency departments will be able to make sure they are seen quickly by specialist teams in the right setting.
“This is how we can turn the tide on mental ill health – preventing more people from reaching crisis, cutting waits for care, and building an NHS which is there for everyone when they need it.”
