Ministers’ rhetoric about parity of esteem between physical and mental health services is not translating into reality
Luciana Berger MP, Labour’s Shadow Mental Health Minister, responding to the NSPCC report showing one in five children referred to mental health services are being turned away, said:
“These shameful figures show that Ministers’ rhetoric about parity of esteem between physical and mental health services is not translating into reality.
“No child should be denied the help or support they need. It is unacceptable that children are being turned away from treatment only to become more seriously ill. In recent years the number of children turning up at A&E with a mental illness has almost doubled.
“More needs to be done to train and equip NHS staff with the skills they need to spot the signs of mental illness. But the Government must also be held to account for breaking its promises. This year it has spent £107m less than it promised on child and adolescent mental health.
“While the Government fails to take the urgent action required to support our struggling mental health services, some of the most vulnerable children are being left suffering without the help and support they need.”
(via labourpress)
