BY NICOLA FIFIELD
Doctor
Most GPs don’t receive adequate training in mental health, despite one in three appointments being related to the issue.
Data obtained by Mind shows just 46 per cent of GPs undertook a training placement in a mental health setting before qualifying.
Mind has launched a petition calling on the Government to ensure all GPs and practice nurses receive comprehensive mental health training.
Chief executive Paul Farmer said: “Providing structured mental health training to primary care staff would ensure they have the knowledge and confidence to provide quality support.”
Woman holding her head between her hands
Kathryn Yates, of the Royal College of Nursing, added: “Mental health problems account for a huge amount of the demand on primary and community services, but this is simply not reflected in the training available.
“All health and social care staff should view mental health as an essential part of their job.”
Dr James Booth, 38, a partner in a GP practice in Chelmsford, Essex, said improved training in mental health would also help GPs cope better with the pressures of their job.
He added: “More structured mental health training would help GPs and practice nurses to identify signs of poor mental health – whether that’s their own, their patients’ or colleagues’.”
- To sign Mind’s petition, visit www.mind.org.uk/findthewords/petition
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