London's State of Mind

King's Fund mental health inquiry 2003

Ros Levenson, Angela Greatley, Janice Robinson
November 2003 | ISBN 978 1 85717 482 3 | 178 pages | £20.00

In 1997, a King's Fund inquiry expressed serious concerns about mental health services under extreme pressure, including long delays and gaps in key areas such as crisis support. This report presents the findings of a two-year inquiry into how far London's mental health needs and services have come since then. It offers a comprehensive overview of substantial changes to policy and governance structures in London and nationally, and probes the special challenges posed by London's population. Drawing on extensive consultations with mental health service users, carers, staff and policy-makers, it proposes key areas for development, including a London-wide strategy, primary care commissioning, and improved financial and service information.