A report published today (Tuesday, February 23) by Look Ahead, a provider of housing and support services*, suggests the NHS could save nearly £1 billion through the integration of mental health and supported housing in England.
Written by economics consultancy, Europe Economics, the report found that the model for integrated mental health and supported housing models currently used by 167 individuals in London and the South East, produced £5 million a year in cashable savings and non-cash releasing efficiencies compared to hospital-based mental health care. Models include the integration of Crisis and Recovery Houses, Rehabilitation Services and Forensic Step-down.
Scaling-up these models across England would not only release the substantial financial savings but enable the reallocation of resources, which may improve the ability of hospitals to cope with unexpected health events in the future. Supported housing also has positive outcomes for patients.
The report has received the backing of both Conservative MP and member of the Health and Social Care Committee, Paul Bristow, and Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for Mental Health, Baroness Claire Tyler.
Paul Bristow says: “Reform of social care cannot be kicked further down the road. As we emerge from the pandemic, the need for mental health services will grow and the coming months offer an opportunity for reform every bit as profound as the creation of the NHS in 1948.”
* Look Ahead delivers 40 specialist mental health services across seven integrated care systems in 18 local authorities in London and the Home Counties.
