Commenting on reports that the number of mental health staff on long-term stress leave is up 22% in the past five years, Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said:

“This demonstrates the strain that mental health services are under. It is deeply disturbing that staff are suffering ill health to this extent.

“The NHS has a duty of care to the people who provide care. We cannot go on like this.

“The Government has to confront the need for more resources and must work with other parties to achieve a long term settlement.”