Healthy workforce is the key to delivering 10-Year Plan
Date added: 23 October 2025
Last updated: 23 October 2025
Dr Afifa Qazi, Chief Medical Officer for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust called on Government on Monday to address workforce challenges or risk delivery of the 10-Year Plan for Health.
At the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Mental Health on Monday 20 October, the award-winning psychiatrist shared insights from frontline services in Kent and Medway, and offered practical solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing mental healthcare today.
Dr Qazi said: “It is a great honour to be invited to speak to the APPG for Mental Health. The issues of workforce development are of paramount importance, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share our experiences from Kent and Medway.
"Delivering a mental health service that is fit for the future is not just about meeting targets; it's about providing the highest quality of care for our patients. Our staff are our most valuable asset, and their skills and dedication are the backbone of our service and are critical to delivering Government's 10-Year Plan for Health.”
Leaders from across mental health came together at the APPG meeting to discuss the challenges facing the workforce, as staff at a national level face increasing demand for services, a greater number of complex and unwell patients, violence and aggression, and growing levels of work-related sickness.
Dr Qazi added: “With NHS staff shortages reaching a critical point, it’s never been more important for professionals and policymakers to come together to seek solutions to our workforce challenges, and strengthen the mental health sector.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Mental Health is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers dedicated to influencing government policy on mental health.
Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is dedicated to providing high-quality care for the mental health needs of the population of Kent.
