Mental Health of Londoners Needs Early Intervention Not Crisis Management - Hughes

5.51.51pm GMT Mon 17th Nov 2003

Commenting on the King's Fund report into the state of mental health services in the capital that finds London is reliant on admitting people with mental health problems to hospital rather than helping them stay in the community, Liberal Democrat London Spokesman Simon Hughes MP said:- "Too often, for too many people with mental health problems in London, it still remains a battle to get the right care, in the right time and in the right place. Many of those who need help are not a danger to the community and are in need of support rather than institutionalisation."

"Hospitals are not the place to help people with drug or alcohol problems. Failing to tackle low-level mental health problems may lead to their problems being made worse. London needs to adopt an early intervention approach to mental health rather than a crisis management style that leaves hospitals taking unnecessary patients."

"Patients who do need to be in hospital must not face a neglected service suffering from more and more budget cuts and staff shortages."

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Kings Fund report London's State of Mind is published on the 18th November 2003. A copy can be obtained from Daniel Reynolds on 0207 307 2581

Richard Stokoe

Senior Liberal Democrat Press Officer for Simon Hughes MP Mayoral Campaign tel. 020 7227 1236, mobile 0772 08 38 351, fax 020 7227 1313 pager 07659 114613.