Government Challenged On "Cinderella Status" Given To Mental Illness In The NHS

4.51.00pm GMT Tue 15th Dec 2009

s the pantomime season gets into full swing, Richard Burt has challenged the Secretary of State for Health on the "Cinderella status" given to mental illness in the NHS.

Speaking today, Richard said: "A recently published report by Lord Layard reveals that there are more mentally ill people on incapacity benefits than the total number of unemployed people on benefit.

"One in every four people will have mental health problems during their life.

"Yet the 18 week waiting time target only applies to physical ailments and not to mental health.

"Why does the Government treat mental health problems as the Cinderella of the NHS when the new NHS Constitution states: 'You have the right not to be unlawfully discriminated against in the provision of NHS services on grounds of mental illness'?"

"Worcestershire residents are right to be concerned about the restricted access to mental health support.

"This is folly of the highest order given that early support can avoid huge personal and family trauma, as well as job loss."