Introduction
The Department of Health (the Department) is ultimately accountable for securing value for money from spending on healthcare and, through its annual mandate, holds NHS England to account for the outcomes the NHS achieves. In 2014–15, the NHS spent an estimated £11.7 billion on mental health services, some 12% of total spending. Mental health problems cover a broad range of disorders, including depression and anxiety, psychosis and eating disorders. In 2014–15, 3.3 million people were known to be suffering from depression. Psychosis is less common but more severe and may affect up to 3 in 100 people during their lives. Mental health conditions can have a significant impact on the health of the people affected and their quality of life. They also affect the health system, the economy and society more widely. What makes good access to mental health services so important is that many people can make a full recovery if they receive appropriate treatment when they need it and at an early stage.
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16 September 2016