Response to The
Observer article
This
statement sets out the corrections to The Observer article (4 October 2009) "Flagship
mental health scheme faces cutbacks".
There were significant inaccuracies in the Observer article and it is important that all stakeholders understand the true position of the programme.
There is no evidence that funding for IAPT will be cut and the funding will instead be mainstreamed so that these funds are transferred in the normal way in which resources are allocated within the NHS.
IAPT is about supporting NICE approved interventions and NICE recommends that both psychological therapies and medication can be beneficial for people in different circumstances and there is strong supporting evidence for these services, based on recording of real outcomes and the overwhelming demand for people to have access to talking therapies.
Since October 2008 1,500 more people have been employed in the programme, including 800 trainees. In the first nine months, the 35 sites where the programme was operating treated 73,000 people. With 80 more sites going live shortly, the programme is on course to treat 900,000 in the first three years as planned. Recovery rates for those completing treatment are rising steadily and are in line with the expectations.
The NHS Stressline, for those experiencing financial stress, is still being tested but is averaging 330 calls per month, not 25, as stated in The Observer
The money for 'Improving Access to Psychological Therapies' will start to be devolved as the service is now better established, but its success has been proven and we believe its future is assured.
Anyone wantng clarity on any point made in the
article can contact the National IAPT Team via the e-mail address iapt@dh.gsi.gov.uk