• NHS England announces £35m of additional investment in digital technology
• Seven mental health trusts will become 'Global Digital Exemplars for Mental Health'
• We say announcements highlights the key role of mental health trusts in tailoring approaches to the needs of individuals

NHS England have announced that seven trusts will become Global Digital Exemplars for Mental Health with an additional £35 million investment.

The additional funding is to allow these trusts to pioneer world-class, digital services to improve care for patients experiencing mental health issues.

The trusts are:

• Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
• Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
• South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
• Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

Responding to the announcement, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

“Mental health trusts are leading the way in harnessing digital technology to improve care. We welcome the additional £35 million investment from NHS England to support this work. The money will be matched by the seven mental health trusts in the scheme. At a time of severe financial pressure, they are committing resources to pioneering digital services.

The announcement highlights the key role of mental health trusts in developing approaches tailored to individuals’ needs.

“They have recognised that digital technology has an important role to play in supporting service users with mental health problems, and in providing seamless care, for example by ensuring timely follow-up and continuity of care for people who have been discharged.  

“The announcement highlights the key role of mental health trusts in developing approaches tailored to individuals’ needs. It is vital that in time we see wider investment so more trusts have the chance to build on the benefits of these projects.”