Stunell Fights for Fair Mental Health Services

12.50.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 30th Apr 2005

New figures from the Pennine Care NHS Trust have revealed that the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority has amongst the lowest funded mental health services in the country.

Mr Stunell said:

"Greater Manchester's spending on mental health services ranks 21st out of 28 in the country, and Stockport is spending almost £5 million a year less than the national average. Even to match the rest of Greater Manchester it would take £1.5 million.

"Meanwhile, children's and other mental heath services are letting the people of Stockport down, with long delays in assessment, and a desperate shortage of the right support and treatment available."

Mr Stunell has been campaigning vigorously for a much needed cash injection into mental health services. Following his meetings with Health Minister Steven Ladyman, and health professionals, Mr Stunell is now waiting for Stockport Primary Care Trust to give a satisfactory reply about next year's budgets.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. The Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority is a relatively low investor in mental health services. In 2003/4, GMSHA spent £711,659 less per 100,000 of the population on Stockport mental health services than it did on average. Nationally, investment In Stockport PCT is £1,772,515 per 100,000 people below the national average

2. Stockport Primary Care Trust invested 11,471,977 in mental health services, ranking 196 out of 303 for investment per 100,000 of the population.

3. For more information or further comment from Mr Stunell, please call Jane Allen on 0161 4067070

4. The Pennine Care NHS Trust can be contacted at:

Tel: 0161 3315151

Trust Headquarters, Tameside General Hospital, Fountain Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Lancashire, OL6 9RW