World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is a time to recognise the burden that mental illness places on individuals, families and communities across New Zealand, says National’s Associate Health spokesman (Mental Health) Dr Jonathan Coleman.
"There is no question that mental illness has a significant impact on the lives of New Zealanders, and that burden is growing, not decreasing.
"It is encouraging that mental illness is becoming de-stigmatised over time, as people appreciate just how common symptoms of mental illness can be.
"But it is also important to keep the focus on spending taxpayer money in the mental health sector in the most effective manner possible.
“The reality is that under this Labour Government spending on mental health has increased by 75% since 1999 to nearly $1 billion per annum, yet there is no measurable improvement in the mental health of the nation. In fact, mental health statistics seem to be deteriorating.
“What's more, there is a major problem with staff recruitment in the sector.
"This Government is failing the people of New Zealand in the management of the mental health sector,” says Dr Coleman.
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