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 Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis congratulated the NHS on major improvements in key mental health services today.

His message came as he cut the turf to mark the construction of a new mental health unit at Runwell Hospital in Wickford, Essex.

Latest figures show that, for 2007-08:

* Specialist crisis resolution home treatment teams provided 106,000 home treatments, supporting people who would otherwise have had to be admitted to hospital. In 06-07, the figure was 95,000 (11% increase).

* Early intervention teams treated 8,300 young people who experienced a first episode of psychosis. In 06-07, the figure was 6,500 (27% increase).

* Assertive outreach teams supported 19,900 people who have persistent mental health problems but are hard to engage. In 06-07, the figure was 18,300 (a rise of 9%).

The improvements mean that more patients are now receiving more effective and earlier treatments and reducing the number of hospital admissions, giving more patients the kind of care they want. Assertive outreach is also improving engagement and leading to better long-term health prospects.

Speaking at Runwell Hospital, Ivan Lewis said:

"This positive news demonstrates that frontline services are pulling together to improve the quality of care for people with mental health needs. More people who might otherwise have to be admitted to hospital can now be cared for in their own home. However, there is no room for complacency - we must maintain this momentum and improve services still further, ensuring that all areas of the country have the services they need.

"We are working closely with local providers and commissioners of these services to make sure they are delivered in the most effective way. Improving crisis resolution and early intervention services remains a priority for this year."

In-patient units are part of a modern service and work closely with the new community teams such as crisis resolution.