A new approach to mental health

A greater proportion of people with mental illness have poor physical health compared to the general population.¹ They die younger² – on average 10 to 17 years earlier than the general population.

Nurses can play a substantial role in the provision of support to patients with mental health problems. Mental health problems are one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide³ and mental health campaigners have welcomed a government plan to roll back years of service cuts that have caused ‘dangerously high’ bed occupancy rates, waiting times and low staff morale.⁴

People with a psychotic disorder constitute 0.7 in 100 of the population, whereas those with bi-polar disease include 2 in 100 people.⁵ The number of patients who have mental health related issues is increasing. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people may have, at some time in their life, a mental health condition.⁶ Under the Equality Act 2010 health care professionals have a duty of care to all patients, including those with mental health issues.⁷