Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Not Addressed
Despite increased access, significant treatment gaps and long waiting lists persist for mental health services.
Conclusion
It is good to see that the number of people accessing NHS funded mental services has increased, from 3.6 million in 2016–17 to 4.5 million in 2021–22. However, this equates to only around one third of people with mental health needs accessing services, with an estimated eight million still not doing so.43 NHSE acknowledged that, under the current planned rates of service expansion, sizable treatment gaps will persist, even if it meets its access targets for 2023–24. There are also 1.2 million people currently waiting to be seen following their referral to community mental health services.44
Government Response Summary
The government's response did not address the committee's conclusion regarding the persistent treatment gaps and long waiting lists in mental health services, instead providing a boilerplate agreement and an update on defining 'parity of esteem'.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation Target implementation date: January 2024 4.2 DHSC is working with NHS England to produce a definition of parity of esteem, incorporating feedback from key stakeholders and lived experience advisors. DHSC will provide an update on progress in January 2024 as part of its joint letter with NHS England to the Committee.