Sir, There is no doubt that the NHS, free at the point of delivery irrespective of ability to pay, is one of the key components of the social fabric of this country. Plans are under discussion now for an NHS constitution. A constitution should embed the underlying principles of the NHS, make clearer what the service is expected to deliver for patients, clinicians and taxpayers, and what in turn those groups will be expected to contribute.

Mental health has been the Cinderella of the NHS since its inception. It has struggled to attract financial investment and standards of care have been unacceptable. The NHS itself has not been immune to the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Inequitable access to physical healthcare is just one reason why a person with schizophrenia, for example, will live, on average, ten years less than someone without the illness.

The NHS constitution provides a unique opportunity for the Government to embed recent positive reforms. The constitution must commit the NHS to treating mental and physical health problems with equality.

Paul Farmer
Chief Executive, Mind

Angela Greatley
Chief Executive, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health

Professor Sheila Hollins
President, Royal College of Psychiatrists

Paul Jenkins
Chief Executive, Rethink

Andrew McCulloch
Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation

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