PEOPLE visiting their doctor in Cornwall about their mental health should now receive more support following the recommendations made by a patient watchdog.

Research by Healthwatch Cornwall found that most respondents felt they had not been offered a choice of treatment and medication was often an easy option for the GP, while 25% did not feel their doctor referred them to a suitable support organisation and the younger and older respondents found it most difficult to book an appointment.

Further evidence following the publication of the report in August 2014 indicated a gap in services for people who would not benefit from short interventions but were not seen as severe enough to need acute services help.

Debbie Pritchard, chief executive of Healthwatch Cornwall, said: 'NHS Kernow has informed us about the work it has initiated to encourage good working practice between Cornwall Partnership Trust and Outlook South West to discuss patients who appear to fall into the gap in services to agree and implement the most suitable care.'

Healthwatch Cornwall recommendations to commissioners and GPs included making the appointment booking process easier, with double time slots offered; a review of current training for GPs in relation to young people and mental health; an expansion of pastoral education in secondary schools and colleges and having a named GP for patients with a diagnosed mental health condition.

NHS England's feedback was that a more proactive programme of care to benefit those who are most at risk, including patients with mental health problems, was being implemented along with a named GP (although this would be dependent on GP availability), while Health Education England instigated further training for GPs, particularly around communicating effectively with distressed young adults, and new teaching material being created for all GPs to access.

In Cornwall a number of GP practices now meet on a monthly basis to determine that care for a patient is relevant and outcome focused while also considering community support and non-medicinal prescriptions.

The Education, Health and Social Care Directorate explained how mental health was being addressed in pastoral education and its plans to involve public health, the health promotion service and voluntary sector providers in future work, as well as its work with young people and GPs to further Healthwatch Cornwall's recommen-dation on ensur-ing appointment-making is much easier.

Ms Pritchard added: 'It's fantastic to see commissioners and providers acting on the feedback people share with us — it is, after all, what Healthwatch Cornwall has been created for.

'I would encourage anyone to share their experiences with us as it could lead to positive change.'

If you have anything to say about any health or social care provision, you can share your story by going to http://www.healthwatchcornwall.co.uk">www.healthwatchcornwall.co.uk or call 0800 0381 281.