NHS visions

The NHS has recently released a vision statement for psychological professions in England, building on the Long Term Plan and People Plan, which sets out a framework to maximise the impact of psychological professions. The British Psychological Society, which responded to the consultation on this vision, has welcomed the statement.

In its response the BPS suggested that the vision could extend its focus beyond the individual and encompass the whole of healthcare. ‘The Society is very pleased to see the recognition of wider social factors such as poverty, discrimination, inequality and trauma, as these can have a significant negative impact on psychological health and wellbeing. We must quickly address inequalities in access to psychological support, particularly amongst BAME communities.’

The Society has also joined forces with a number of other organisations on the One Voice statement on health and care staff wellbeing. An extract reads: ‘The safe, effective, efficient, and compassionate care that we all look to the NHS to provide is only possible if staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are physically and emotionally healthy. However, although the NHS is one of the world’s largest direct or indirect employers, it lags behind other organisations in terms of care for staff. This must change. Health and care staff need to feel that their wellbeing and psychological health are valued by their employing organisations not solely during the height of extraordinary situations, such as the pandemic, but each and every day. This cannot be achieved by words alone; but must be achieved by actions.’ er

Psychological Professions Vision Statement: tinyurl.com/zzvh5ca9
BPS submission to the consultation on the Psychological Professions Vision: tinyurl.com/w5azyx85
One Voice statement: tinyurl.com/onevoicecall