Commenting on the publication of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ report, Whole person care: from rhetoric to reality, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:
The RCP whole-heartedly welcomes this report, which re-enforces the importance of addressing both physical and mental health needs. There is a strong association between physical and mental health, and we recognise the need for a collaborative approach to providing whole person care.
The RCP strongly recommends that all acute trusts provide a comprehensive psychiatric liaison service for medical patients identified with mental illness. The RCP also advocates for secondary care specialist liaison into mental health trusts. This partnership working promotes early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the physical illnesses that affect patients with mental illness.
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For further information, please contact Andrew McCracken, RCP Communications and New Media Adviser, on +44 (0)203 075 1354 / 07990 745 608, or email andrew.mccracken@rcplondon.ac.uk