Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell have announced a range of measures to help people who are experiencing distress, depression or anxiety in the difficult economic situation. This includes improving access to and increasing the provision of talking therapies.
NHS Direct has been commissioned by the Department of Health to play a key role in delivering this initiative. We will be providing patients and the public with a dedicated national helpline and signposting service to assist them in getting the support they need.
Trained NHS Direct health advisers will carry out a safety assessment of the caller. They will also collect their demographic details and any other relevant information, signpost the caller to a local provider, and where appropriate, assess and if necessary refer the caller for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
The helpline is due to go live later in the spring. In the meantime, NHS Direct will continue to handle calls of this nature through the 0845 4647 telephone service, utilising our staff’s considerable knowledge, skills and experience.
