Under pressure mental health sector delighted with budget

Under pressure mental health sector delighted with budget

Mental health and addiction non-government organisations (NGOs) are delighted that Budget 2014 includes a contribution to cost pressure for Health – but now call on DHBs to pass the increase on rather than unfairly retain it as they have in previous years.

It was announced yesterday that district health boards will have about $320 million available next year for extra services and to help meet cost pressures and population changes.

“Mental health and addiction service providers are at the front-line of health services and yet, we are often under-funded or expected to provide more services to more people with less money, said Marion Blake, Chief Executive of Platform, a national network of mental health and addiction community organisations.

“In the last five years only four out of the 20 DHBs have consistently passed on the contribution to cost pressure (CCP) that DHBs receive from government to meet cost increases. Yet we live and provide services in the same communities and face the same rising costs.

“We are delighted the Government understands the financial pressure community mental health provider’s face. We now look to DHBs to have this contribution to costs also written into our contracts going forward,” said Marion Blake

NGOs play a critical role in supporting people in the community who are experiencing mental health and addiction issues. In 2012/13 around 50,000 New Zealanders accessed support from these services.

ENDS

© Scoop Media