Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Norman Lamb and Lord Stunell

Tuesday 10th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Sir Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD)]

Stockport Mind reports that it takes on average 12 months to receive the first appointment for cognitive behavioural therapy after diagnosis. What action can be taken to improve that standard in Greater Manchester?

[Norman Lamb]

I mentioned earlier that when the last Labour Government introduced the 18-week waiting time standard they left out mental health. That is at the heart of the problem. We are committed to changing that and to introducing access standards in mental health, and we plan to start next year.