Mental health report highlights need for minister to return: McLaughlin

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin has welcomed the launch of a new report calling for improvements in the mental health care system but said it was vital the Health Minister Simon Hamilton returned to work.

Speaking following the launch of the report, Ms McLaughlin (pictured) said it was “vitally important” those who use mental health services had their voices heard.

It is estimated one in five people in the North has a mental health problem and Ms McLaughlin said there was evidence mental health problems were 25% higher here than in England.

She added: "There are key messages in the report about how we need to treat patients as people.

"It also highlights the fragmentation across the system and the poor communication between different elements of the service.

"Services have become very separate from each other and are very much working in silos.

"I also welcome the recommendation for the mental health budget to be ring fenced.

"We need to see the health minister back at his post, making strategic decisions to ensure those with mental health problems get the best care possible."