More spending, but no more access in mental health

Access to mental health services isn’t increasing despite a massive increase in spending in the sector by the Labour Government, says National’s Associate spokesman, Dr Jonathan Coleman.

He is commenting following the release of the Mental Health Commission report, Te Haererenga mo te Whakaoranga.

"Labour has increased spending on mental health by 66% to a massive $1 billion per year, yet the Mental Health Commission report tells us that some New Zealanders with severe mental health problems are unable to access services.

"A number of key groups in the population are under-served: children and young people, Maori and Pacific Islanders.

“The fact is that there is a wider range of services, but it’s harder for people to get access to the care they need."

The report also notes that even when funding is available, it is not always spent, with DHBs collectively underspending by nearly $17 million per annum.

"The Health Minister’s mismanagement of the sector has resulted in a failure to deliver increased access to services, which had been expected with such a huge increase in funding.

"National would focus on channelling the funds to where the need is."

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