Mental health care from GPs in Devon is not satisfactory
By Catherine Walker
A report by the Local Involvement Network of Devon (LINk) shows that the people of Devon ,who see their GPs about mental health issues, are not having a satisfactory experience.
LINk Devon is a one of a number of Local Involvement Networks set up by the government in 2008 to get people involved in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of local health and social care services.
The report follows a four month study of 60 patients. Some of the things that concern patients include long waiting lists and being offered ‘pills instead of therapy’ by GPs. Another area of concern, according to the report, is that some patients complained about a ‘lack of empathy’ from GPs . Services not being available in local areas and a ‘lack of support in a crisis’ were also highlighted as areas of dissatisfaction.
Devon Partnership NHS Trust said there was a "strong commitment" to develop and improve services.
‘Our conversations with GPs and others across the county indicate a strong commitment to develop and improve services further.’ said Liz Davenport from Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
‘Although waiting times are still too high in some parts of Devon, they are moving in the right direction’ she said. ‘From the end of September, we are hoping to offer people the option of self-referral, so that they do not need to be referred by their GP.’
Davenport added that in 2010, Devon's Depression and Anxiety Service had had more than 10,000 referrals and the number was expected to increase.
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