A new report has recommended improving the NHS so it gives equal weight to physical and psychological symptoms for patients with long term conditions such as heart failure.

A joint report from the British Heart Foundation, Depression Alliance and other charities, looks at the way people with long terms health conditions and depression are treated.
 
The 'Twice as Likely' report shows that treating someone’s physical symptoms and mental wellbeing through joined up and high quality care could save the NHS money.   Patients living with a long term condition such as heart failure, are two to three times more likely to experience depression, which can mean poorer care, poorer outcomes and substantial cost to the NHS.

Mike Knapton, BHF's Associate Medical Director, said:- "Around a quarter of heart failure patients suffer from the condition.
We need to look closely at how we care for people with depression, because these patients tend to have a poorer quality of life. The first, important, step is identifying patients with depression and the next is making sure they are cared for properly."

The 'Twice As Likely Report' is available - here

Source: BHF