MP Demands Debate on Mental Health Care

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris has called for a debate in Parliament on mental health care, particularly in acute settings.

Mr Morris has submitted the request with the House of Commons’ Backbench Committee, following a meeting in Parliament with Mind volunteers, carers and service users from the West Midlands. The MP listened to the challenges faced by people with mental health problems in getting access to emergency mental health care.

Speaking directly with local people who use mental health services, care providers and experts, Mr Morris heard suggestions for improvements so that people with urgent mental health needs can get the good quality care they need, as soon as they need it.

The meeting came as Mind published their report “Listening to experience”, report on the findings of a comprehensive year-long independent inquiry into acute and crisis mental health care.

Hundreds of patients and professionals told Mind’s inquiry panel of crisis experts that while excellent crisis care does exist, there remain problems with inpatient hospitals and community crisis teams.

Speaking after the meeting, James Morris said:

“As an active member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health, I am working hard in Parliament to make sure that people with mental health problems get the help they need when they need it.

“One in four people have a mental health problem, some of whom need intensive support when they reach crisis point. It’s important to remember that when we talk about emergency health treatment, such A&E, that people need emergency treatment for mental health too and they should expect the same standard of care they would get for any other health problem.

“It is important that we have a proper debate on how mental health services can be improved, which is why I have asked the Backbench Committee for a full debate on the floor of the House of Commons so that this vital issue can be given the attention that it deserves.”