New guidance to improve physical health of mental health patients

A new government drive has been launched to improve the physical fitness of people with mental illness.

At the moment, people with severe mental illness have much worse levels of physical health. Those with severe and enduring mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder are at increased risk of a range of physical illnesses and conditions, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, infections and respiratory disease and greater levels of obesity. They are almost twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease as the general population and four times more likely to die from respiratory disease.

Guidance was been published in mid-August to help local commissioners design services that improve the physical wellbeing of mental health patients. £7m has also been made available for the 88 spearhead Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to employ 'well-being nurses'. These nurses will work in partnership with GPs, health trainers and mental health staff to deliver health checks and blood tests, provide advice on diet and exercise, as well as on-going support and help to access services.

This funding builds on work that has been piloted in eight PCTs since 2004 (funded by Lilly) to deliver new models of healthcare for people with mental health problems. The pilot projects have shown that by providing appropriate support it is possible to help people with mental health problems to live healthier lives and spot the early signs of diseases such as diabetes.

Health Minister Rosie Winterton

Publishing the guidance, Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: 'Your mental and physical health are both equally important; the state of one affects the other. We know that that people with severe mental health problems are more likely to die prematurely because of poor physical health, and we also know that physical activity and a balanced diet can help to maintain and protect people's mental well-being.

'This means making patients more aware of the healthy choices they can make and providing them with the support they need to improve their health.

'The guidance we are publishing today will help more areas design services that improve the physical wellbeing of mental health patients.'

Source: Department of Health

eNews issue 59