Andy Burnham has committed to introducing mental health waiting times standards, similar to those that already exist for physical health.

Why long mental health waiting times need to change

Unacceptable waiting times for mental health care is an issue that’s really important for many people severely affected by mental illness. 

Time and time again, our supporters tell us that they’ve had to wait too long for the help that they need. From suicide attempts, to crisis care, and becoming too unwell to work and enjoy life, it's clear that long waits have a devastating impact on people's lives. 

Rethink has actively campaigned for government action to reduce lengthy mental health waiting times. So it was hugely significant to hear Prime Minister Andy Burnham announce that the upcoming Mental Health Strategy will set clear standards to ensure that people of all ages receive the right treatment at the right time.

This is a campaign win that should make a real difference for our supporters who are currently unable to access the treatment and support they need.

Mental health waiting times raised at Prime Minister’s Questions

At Prime Ministers Questions on October 21, Lewis Atkinson MP asked the following: 

"Waits for NHS mental health care are far too long, our constituents are 200 times more likely to be waiting 18 months for help with a mental health condition than they are with a physical health one. A key reason for this is that for a long time there have been clear standards set for physical health access that we're all familiar with - four hours for A&E, 18 weeks for physical health, but such standards have not been set by successive governments for mental health.

"Our manifesto promised to reform the NHS to give the same focus and attention for mental health as physical health. Will the PM ensure that the forthcoming Mental Health Strategy delivers on that, and sets clear standards to reduce mental health waits for people of all ages?" 

Prime Minister commits to mental health waiting time standards

Prime Minister Andy Burnham responded with a clear commitment:
 
“The Mental Health Strategy will do precisely that, and it will confirm the plan to open 100 new community mental health centres across the country, to get mental health support right into communities. And the Health Secretary is ensuring that we also bring forward 59 mental health emergency departments to give same day support to people experiencing a crisis.”

What new mental health waiting time targets could mean

We know from our Right Treatment, Right Time report that too many people are left stranded on waiting lists, and that this can have a devastating impact on their lives. 

The detail in the upcoming Mental Health Strategy will be important. Rethink will be working hard to understand the new strategy and ensure that these targets deliver shorter waits and better care for everyone who needs mental health support. 

We look forward to hearing more about the government’s plan to tackle long waiting times for vital mental health support.