The NHS has announced that thousands of mental health practitioners will be installed in GP surgeries to support people with severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, psychosis and eating disorders. Appointments with the mental health practitioners will be up to three times longer than an average GP appointment, and will offer a consultation, treatment, peer support or a referral to hospital teams without needing a GP appointment.

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said:

“The creation of this new workforce is hugely encouraging proof that NHS England is employing the flexibility that the current pressure demands.

“Embedding professionals with the skill and specialism to support someone living with severe mental illness in GP surgeries, rather than waiting on a complicated referral into secondary care, means that more people will hopefully receive the timely treatment they need to help them avoid falling into crisis.”