Stamp out stigma in GP surgeries says Rethink

21 March 2006

Rethink severe mental illness today (March 21) urged GPs in Norwich to help end the tragedy of hundreds of thousands of people with severe mental illness who face an early grave because their physical health needs are ignored.

Rethink targeted GP practices in Norwich with an informative leaflet about the new GP contract which rewards GPs offering health checks to people with mental health problems. Rethink also encouraged people to write to their GPs with details of the leaflet.

The GP campaign is part of Rethink's first ever regional multi-media awareness campaign in Norwich during March 2006 to challenge stigma and discrimination of mental illness.

David McDade, Rethink's anti-discrimination manager said: “Under the new GP contract, GPs can choose to provide more services to people with severe mental illness. Rethink wants to encourage as many GPs as possible to take up this opportunity.”

  • 95% of people with mental illness are cared for through GP surgeries.
  • The average GP spends 30% of his or her consultation time with patients with mental illness.
  • People with severe mental illness die 10 years younger than the rest of the population, not because of suicide or self-harm, but because of physical health problems.

The average GP practice will earn £8,000 if they implement the mental health indicators of the 2006-7 nGMS contract.

Mr McDade added: “Everyone in a GP practice has a role to play: GPs, Practice Managers, practice nurses, receptionists – and even other patients.”


Notes to editors

MENTAL HEALTH AND NORWICH BRIEFING

Norwich has:

  • More anti-depressants prescribed than anywhere else in Central or Eastern England
  • Traditionally had a higher suicide rate than the national average
  • Had over 3,000 mental health related hospital admissions between
  • Has an “unenviable position as a centre of high rates of self harm”.

Rethink in Norwich: 

  • Is the lead provider of day provision in Norfolk
  • Provides the largest single mental health project in Norfolk at Bridges
  • The Norwich and District Rethink Carers Group that has been at the forefront of Carer Involvement and Support in Norfolk for almost 30 years
  • Is the base for Norfolk Service Users Support, an innovative project designed to help establish self support groups and networks
  • Is a key member of local mental health forums.

Source for all figures: The Health of Norwich: Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2004

For more information contact:

Lana Savic, Media Manager:
tel 020 7330 9129, mobile 07967 398566 or

Alita Howe, Media Officer:
tel 020 7330 9149, mobile 07918 660760

For out of hours media enquiries, please call 07775 585178.

About Rethink severe mental illness

Rethink, the leading national mental health charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. We aim to provide hope and empowerment through effective services and support to all those who need us and campaign for change through greater awareness and understanding.

For further information on the charity and its work continue to browse this website or call 0845 456 0455.