Report: English mental health services leading the way in Europe

The publication of a “landmark” international report today highlights that mental health services in England are leading the way in Europe, it has been announced.

Health secretary Alan Johnson welcomed the study by the World Health Organisation, co-funded by the European Commission, which was issued to mark World Mental Health Day.

The study found England directs 13.8 per cent of its health budget towards mental health, the highest level in Europe among those nations which submitted figures, the Department of Health notes.

In addition, the country provides high levels of access to mental health care, with 12.7 psychiatrists per 100,000 members of the population.

This compares to the European average of 8.9 per cent.

England is also on of only three countries to provide comprehensive access to assertive outreach teams, the report notes.

Commenting, the department says: “The government is committed to continued improvement of mental health services. Spending on adult services has increased by £1.7 billion since 2001-02, which has led to radical improvements.”