The North West has the highest level of hospital admissions for depression and anxiety at 55 per cent and 29 per cent above the national average respectively.
The rate for hospital admission for schizophrenia is also the highest nationally, at 39 per cent higher than the national average.
A year-long review of mental health services by the North West Commission on Mental Health in the North West has set out a new agenda to tackle some of the long-standing issues confronting the North West.
The Commission - set up in July 2007 by the Board of NHS North West – 
produced a report, A Better Future in Mind, published on October 27, 2008, setting out 12 recommendations for change.
These include the need to strengthen the voice of service users and carers, a greater focus on preventing mental health problems, more sophisticated commissioning of services and more investment in staff training and development.
The recommendations are based on the views of mental health service users, their carers and staff who deliver these services.
If you need this report in another language, on audio tape or large print please contact Shahnaz Ali on 0161 626 7331.
If you have any comments on the report that you would like to feedback please send us an e-mail or write to us at Room 463, Gateway House, Piccadilly South, Manchester M60 7LP.
Good practice
The review has identified a number of examples of services across the North West delivering good and innovative care for people with mental health difficulties. To find out more about them view Innovative Initiatives.
Background information
To read more reports about mental health in the North West view Reports mentioned.
Patient Opinion
The Mental Health Improvement Programme is working in partnership with Patient Opinion to develop a real-time interactive way in which you can feedback on mental health services in the North West. Clicking on the link below will allow you to see feedback on services from across the North West and through this link you can give your opinion on your local mental health services.
www.patientopinion.org.uk