Barbara Stewart MP
New Zealand First
Spokesperson for Health
2 NOVEMBER 2016

Urgent Review of Mental Health Services Required

The government needs to listen to the pleas of New Zealanders and order an urgent independent review into mental health services, says New Zealand First.

“The Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust presented a petition at Parliament today requesting that an independent nationwide inquiry into mental health services is conducted.

“This adds to the growing number of New Zealanders calling for urgent action. They want mental health services funded adequately and to be made a priority. The system is stretched to capacity and those that need it are unable to access services,” says Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart. “Tragedies are occurring.”

“Suicide rates reflect the lack of funding. In the 2015/16 year ending June, 579 New Zealanders took their lives. It is the worst rate since records began in 2008.

“Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman cannot pretend everything is okay - people’s lives are at stake.”

ENDS

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