New NHS service to include mental health ambulances and a hotline for sufferers
Chancellor Philip Hammond has reiterated the government’s promise for an extra £20.5bn in funds for the NHS, including a new mental health crisis service, as he committed to end austerity.
“We made out choice for this budget four months before it was delivered,” the chancellor said.
“Our NHS is the number one priority of the British people,” he added.
Hammond also promised “a new mental health health crisis service with comprehensive mental health support available in every major A&E, children and young people’s crisis teams in every part of the country, more mental health ambulances, more safe havens in the community, and a 24 hour mental health crisis hotline.”
“These new services will ensure people suffering from a crisis, young or old, will get the help they need, ending the stigma which has forced too many to suffering in silence. And ending too the tragedy of too many lives lost to suicide.”
Intel UK technical specialist Chris Feltham said: “When it comes to the NHS, a robust digital strategy is required. Technologies such as AI and 5G could revolutionise the delivery of healthcare within the NHS and beyond, from drug discovery to patient flow management to devolving treatment away from hospitals”.
“As a single entity with masses of data at its disposal, the NHS could really take a lead in this field by implementing readily available technologies, but only with the right foresight, planning and governance. Calling for a digital transformation is just the first step”.