Lib Dem MP for Leeds North West Greg Mulholland has joined Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Norman Lamb MP in responding to figures released by Mind that show 11,000 people across the country did not get follow-up within a week of leaving a mental health hospital in 2015-16. The mental health charity has also called for urgent new guidelines so those leaving are followed up with within 48 hours.

Greg Mulholland said:

“I am fully behind Mind’s proposal and will work to get these guidelines implemented here in Leeds. It is time that mental health is rightfully given as much prominence as physical health, with the corresponding increase in funding and awareness. Through the hard work of charities such as Mind this is starting to be the case, but it is clear that there is still far more that needs to be done.”

Norman Lamb added:

“The moral case for this proposal is overwhelming. When we know that the risk of loss of life through suicide doubles if there is no timely follow up, the Government and NHS England have an absolute duty to act. But this requires investment in community support which is so often lacking.

“We must invest more in mental health overall and also shift resources from containing people in institutions to investing in prevention and good crisis support in the community.”