Minister highlights importance of psychology in modern medicine

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has acknowledged the impact that health psychologists have in the practice of modern medicine.

Speaking at the annual British Psychological Society (BPS) conference which was being held in Northern Ireland for the first time, the Minister said:

“Psychology and psychologists are all about using their science, experiences and knowledge to prevent illness and helping to maintain best possible health.]

“There is increasing recognition that mental health has an impact on physical health, and physical ill health has an impact on mental health. This, potentially, can have significant consequences for individuals, families and society.

“I am committed to developing mental health services as one of my top priorities. In June 2010, I published a 'Strategy for the Development of Psychological Therapy Services' which advocated a stepped care approach to the development of psychological therapy services.

“Additional service development monies of £4.4m over the last three years – recurrent from March 2011 – have been made available to underpin this strategy. Part of this investment comes from the Department of Social Development, as it too recognises the importance of enhanced provision of psychological therapies to the greater good of society.”

Continuing his address, the Minister said that Health Psychology had an application in almost every area of medicine, from diabetes to asthma control from pain management to health promotion.

Mr McGimpsey concluded: “Health and wellbeing is a 'cradle to grave' approach and you are well placed to give assistance to children, adolescents and adults through education, early intervention, and effective condition management.

“Having and keeping our health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us as individuals and to society as a whole. This is why I consider the work of the health psychologists to be so important.”

Notes to editors:

• The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. Within the BPS there are subsystems, known as Divisions, which focus on training and professional practice in different areas of applied psychology. One of these is the Division of Health Psychology.
• The Division of Health Psychology represents the interests of health psychology in the UK. Health Psychology is one of seven applied psychology groups. Other applied psychologies are clinical psychology, forensic psychology, counselling psychology, occupational psychology, educational psychology, and sport and exercise psychologies. Although there is overlap in the work undertaken by these different psychologists, each group has a unique focus and a unique training pathway commensurate with this focus.
• The DHSSPS “Strategy for the Development of Psychological Therapy Services” was published in June 2010. This Strategy advocates a stepped care approach to the development of psychological therapy services – from guided self help (Step 1) to highly specialist psychological interventions (Step 4).
• Additional service development monies of £4.4m over the last three years – recurrent from March 2011 – have been made available to underpin this strategy. Part of this investment was provided by the Department of Social Development.
• Media enquiries should be directed to the DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0505, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.