Holmes challenges Minister on "Cinderella status" given to mental illness in the NHS

During Tuesday's Health questions in Parliament, Paul asked the Minister:

"Lord Layard's report revealed that:

"There are more mentally ill people on incapacity benefits than the total number of unemployed people on benefit.

"One in every four people will have mental health problems during their life.

"Yet the 18 week waiting time target only applies to physical ailments and not to mental health.

"Why does the Government treat mental health problems as the Cinderella of the NHS when the new NHS Constitution states: 'You have the right not to be unlawfully discriminated against in the provision of NHS services on grounds of mental illness'?"

Paul said:

"Chesterfield residents regularly approach me about the restricted access to mental health support - as one did only last week.

"This is folly of the highest order given that early support can avoid huge personal and family trauma, as well as job loss."