The King’s Speech today outlined the government’s goal to revamp healthcare, with particular emphasis on mental health.
This will include changes to universal access based on need, reducing waiting times, emphasising prevention as well as enhancing mental health services for youth and modernising the Mental Health Act.
The government aims to strengthen the National Health Service (NHS) so that everyone can get healthcare based on their medical needs, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Additionally, efforts will be made to reduce the time patients must wait for medical treatment and appointments. According to recent figures, the number of people waiting for NHS treatment exceeded 7.6 million at the end of May this year.
According to the King’s Speech, there will also be an emphasis on preventative healthcare practices, which attempt to address health conditions before they worsen, minimising the total strain on the healthcare system.
The government also intends to improve mental health care for children and young people. This includes making programmes more accessible and effective for the younger generation with the government ensuring that “mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health.”
The government will “legislate to modernise the Mental Health Act so it is fit for the 21st century”. This update to the Mental Health Act aims to better reflect contemporary needs and practices in mental health care.
