Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East, has welcomed Government plans to expand NHS mental health services, including 100 new community mental health centres and 59 dedicated mental health emergency departments across the country.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Mr Hayes, who previously worked in mental health services, said: “This is real action to improve mental health support, and I’m pleased the first of these new facilities will begin opening later this year.
“Before entering Parliament, I ran community-focused healthcare services and saw first-hand that early intervention works.
“Helping people before they reach crisis is better for them, their families and the NHS.
“For too long, our system has stepped in too late, when people are already at their lowest point.
“That leads to worse outcomes for patients and greater pressure on health services.”
The new centres will allow people with severe needs to walk in without a referral, while dedicated mental health emergency departments will provide same-day specialist care for people experiencing a crisis.
Since becoming Bournemouth East’s MP, Mr Hayes has continued to meet regularly with local mental health charities and organisations to understand the pressures facing services and the people who rely on them.