A call for evidence has been launched by the DHSC to invite views on how best to prevent, early diagnose, treat and manage the six major groups of conditions that drive ill health and contribute to the burden of disease in the population in England. The six major health conditions – cancer; cardiovascular diseases including stroke and diabetes; chronic respiratory diseases; dementia; mental ill health; and musculoskeletal disorders – affect millions of people in England, with data showing that one in four suffer from two or more of these major long-term conditions. The closing date for comments is 27 June 2023.
The call for evidence was originally intended to inform two individual plans: a mental health and wellbeing plan and a separate suicide prevention strategy. The decision has since been taken to incorporate tackling mental ill health into a major conditions strategy instead of a standalone mental health strategy. This aims to ensure that mental ill health is considered alongside other physical health conditions and that the interactions between them are reflected in any resulting commitments.
Major conditions strategy: call for evidence – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)