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MP warns waiting lists for mental health service in Devon “could cost lives” (3 April 2014)

Date: 03/04/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, MP warns waiting lists for mental health service in Devon “could cost lives”

Labour MP for Exeter Ben Bradshaw has warned that two-year waiting lists for mental health patients to access services in Devon will put lives at risk.

Mr Bradshaw told Parliament that it was “unacceptable” that mental health patients experiencing conditions such as depression and anxiety have to face long waiting lists for treatment.

All three main political parties have put mental health at the forefront of healthcare – and pledged improvements to access for patients with mild-to- moderate mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.

More talking therapies such as counselling are being introduced, as well as supported treatment at home rather than in mental health units for patients needing acute services.

However, many NHS Foundation Trusts are cutting back on mental health beds, closing wards or are amalgamating services to provide effective care while slashing budgets. Some mental health trusts such as Greater Manchester West NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust (GMW) are also introducing seven-day support services for mental health patients so they can be treated at home rather than being regularly admitted to a mental health unit and “institutionalised”.

Devon Partnership NHS Trust has said that there has been a rise in referrals for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, from 15,470 in 2012 to 16,792 in 2013. However, most patients with conditions like anxiety or depression are seen within 28 days – although some patients with more complex needs may have to wait longer.

Speaking during Health Questions in the Commons, Care Minister Norman Lamb said that cuts in NHS mental health budgets – which have been as much as 20% in some health trusts – were not “based on evidence” and could not be justified.

Mr Lamb is MP for North Norfolk – Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is currently implementing budget cuts of 20% to mental health services.

Mr Bradshaw said:

“People in Exeter and Devon with mental illness are now waiting more than two years for treatment. This is totally unacceptable and will, if it hasn't already, lead to the loss of lives.
Mr Bradshaw added that, although Norman Lamb had repeated his criticism of NHS England's decision to cut funding for mental health, he was not “a passive observer, but the minister responsible”.

"What is he going to do about it?" Mr Bradshaw demanded.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in response that the government had made “substantial improvements” to mental health services, including 80,000 more people receiving psychological therapies – and 55,000 more people every year receiving a dementia diagnosis.

Mr Hunt added that the government would continue to do everything that was needed until mental health services were treated equally alongside physical health services.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors can advise mental health patients free-of-charge on issues such as detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 and access to mental health services.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis Mental health solicitors may be able to advise the next of kin or carer of a mental health patient, including initiating treatment reviews.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, contact the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors’ Helpline on 0203 114 1124.

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