HEALTH commissioners have secured funding to improve the mental health care provision for people suffering from long-term physical conditions.

NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group has successfully bid for funds from NHS England to improve the access to psychological therapies.

From April 1, extra money will be available for interventions for depression and anxiety in patients with physical health conditions to help them to manage their conditions better or overcome problems.

Dr Gemma Askey, clinical lead for mental health at NHS Warrington CCG and GP at Stockton Heath Medical Centre, said: “Research from NHS England shows that two thirds of people with a long-term physical condition also have an associated mental health problem.

“In addition, 70 per cent of people with unexplained pain and fatigue also have depression or anxiety disorders.

“Through our collaborative project we will be working with local GPs to respond to patients needs within our town.

“From this we will develop bespoke psychological therapies services for people with long-term conditions such as diabetes and respiratory and cardiac conditions.

“The expansion of integrated services will build upon existing services in the area and work with conditions common in primary care, including persistent distressing physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue and dizziness.

“Effective new services for people with mental and physical health problems will improve lives for the people that use them, the reason all of us working in the NHS come to work.”