Lib Dems say No One Should Wait Longer Than 13 Weeks For Mental Health Treatment

11.49.00am GMT Sat 9th Feb 2008

Nick Clegg states no-one should wait longer than 13 weeks for treatment

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has unveiled plans to guarantee everyone suffering from mental health problems a first appointment for treatment within 13 weeks of referral.

Mr Clegg launched the plans in a speech at the Guardian Public Services Summit, as the party revealed new figures showing that the average time for those waiting longest for mental health treatment is over seven months, with some people waiting over three years for treatment such as psychotherapy and counselling. A survey of Mental Health Trusts in England by the Liberal Democrats shows that waiting times vary enormously according to region and type of treatment.

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg states "When it comes to mental health, the Government's record is one of shameful neglect. Mental health services have commanded less favourable coverage, less government attention, and less money. Medical professionals want to prescribe effective, long-term solutions, but in the absence of those solutions it is no wonder record levels of drugs are being prescribed. I am calling for nothing less than a revolution in how we treat mental illness. I want our health service to guarantee that no one will wait longer than thirteen weeks for their first treatment."