Table discussion – no health without mental health

Paraphrased notes from a table discussion at Strengthening the Patient Voice, one of a series of events in West Bromwich linking up patients, their carers, their representatives and their communities, and the Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

This table discussed one of the CCG plans:

“No health without mental health – treat mental ill health and promote wellbeing.”

GPs not investigating or listening to concerns (imaginary illness).

Exercise and physical activity is not the be all and end all of cures.

GPs are financially constrained to make referrals, so they may not always refer to specialists.

GPs quick to prescribe medication without investigating thoroughly.

GPs stereotype specific groups, including ethnic groups.

GPs need to work with specialists on mental health issues.