Landmark report published on World Mental Health Day. Health Secretary Alan Johnson today welcomed publication of a landmark international report, which highlights that mental health services in England are leading the way in Europe. The report from the World Health Organisation, published to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, showed that: England directs 13.8% of the health budget towards mental health - highest level in Europe among those who submitted figures. We provide high levels of access to mental health care, with 12.7 psychiatrists per 100,000 population, compared to the European average of 8.9. Access to mental health nursing care is also higher than average, with 51.9 nurses per 100,000, compared with the European average of 18.7. England are the only country to provide a comprehensive network of specialist early intervention teams. England is one of only three countries to provide comprehensive access to assertive outreach teams. England has 23 mental health beds per 100,000, reflecting continued focus on moving mental health treatment out of institutions and into the community.

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10 October 2008
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