Urgent action needed in mental health and learning disability services – Lib Dems
Today the publication of CQC’s ‘State of Care 2018/19’ report reveals a rise of inpatient services for people with learning disabilities and/or autism that were rated inadequate.
The report also shows a rise of child and adolescent mental health inpatient services rated inadequate.
Responding to the report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Vince Cable said:
It is rare for a public body such as the Care Quality Commission to be so scathing of the effects of Government policy. Their honesty is to be congratulated.
They highlight graphically the decline in standards for mental health and learning disability inpatient services. This means some of the most vulnerable are not receiving anything like the standards of care that they need.
Staffing shortages, coupled with inadequate funding solutions has meant the strained care system is beginning to crack.
Liberal Democrats have long argued that mental health in particular should be raised to parity with other forms of healthcare.
Yesterday’s Queen’s Speech pays lip service to improvements in these services but it must be followed up with real resources.
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The Guardian, today, 16 October :
“Low-income families in London’s poorest borough say that moving on to universal credit has left them financially worse off, caused parental conflict, stress, and feelings of guilt at not being able to provide for their children, according to a study. Researchers found the squeeze on household budgets from universal credit meant many parents struggled to buy warm clothes and nutritious food for their children, as well as being unable to afford birthdays, toys and school trips.
Parents said the financial pressures provoked rows with partners, stress and depression. Many cut out eating or buying clothes to try to ensure their children did not go hungry, while others switched off the heating.
The research, carried out by the Child Poverty Action group (CPAG) for Tower Hamlets council in east London, found the stress and indignity triggered by universal credit was exacerbated by the complexity of the online benefits system and the frequently erratic payment system.”
As ‘an evidence based party’ will the Liberal Democrat Party and its respective spokespersons (Messrs Cable & Farron) please come out and make a definitive statement about the party’s policy on this shameful byproduct of Universal Credit ?