Health chiefs find it’s good to talk
NHS leaders have been praised for transforming the way care is provided to people with mild to moderate stress, anxiety or depression.
The Talking Therapies service designed by NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which manages healthcare in Macclesfield and the area, is one of eight case studies in a new national report by NHS Clinical Commissioners (NHSCC) which shares examples of community-based mental health care.
Talking Therapies was launched in February to offer clinical support while tackling the root causes of mental distress such as money worries, relationship problems or loneliness.
The clinical part of the service is provided by not-for-profit organisation The Big Life group while the support is managed by Macclesfield-based Peaks & Plains Housing Trust.
The service was designed to allow more treatment in GP prac- tices and the community, rather than in clinics.
Dr Ian Hulme, the CCG’s clinical lead for mental health, said: “The report recognised the service offers holistic support that cares for the whole person and doesn’t address symptoms in isolation from causes.”