THE MP for Tottenham gave a speech at the House of Commons addressing “bleak” mental health services in the borough.

Labour MP David Lammy spoke during an adjournment debate on Thursday, as he was concerned services and hospitals were not being given enough attention and support from the government, despite the level of need being high.

He claimed only 11 per cent of the NHS’ budget went towards mental health and asked for an improvement on staff wages.

The MP also requested the government look at plans for the redevelopment of St Ann’s hospital site, which he said is unable to provide enough beds for patients.

After the debate, which was presented to Alistair Burt, minister for community and social care, Mr Lammy said he will continue to highlight how improvements can be made to mental health services in the borough.

He said: “I was pleased that the minister for community and social care Alistair Burt acknowledged the serious strain that Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust is under and the challenges that staff working in our local mental health services face.

“Looking to the future, I will be convening a meeting with the minister, senior NHS representatives and the Members of Parliament representing Barnet, Enfield and Haringey to discuss what improvements can be made to ensure that mental health services meet the needs of local people”.

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, attended the debate and backed up Mr Lammy’s views.

After his speech, she said: “Since I was elected nearly 12 months ago - it will be 12 months next week - my office has seen more than 40 individuals whose mental health problems are so serious that I would say they, and indeed others around them, are at serious risk.

“Since last May, the number of mental health cases coming in to my surgery has increased, which is a real concern of mine.”

She also posed a number of questions asking how the government is monitoring the mental health of people who are facing homelessness – particularly if they are a suicide risk.

Ms West said: “Unfortunately, the moment when certain individuals receive their section 21 notice from a housing provider, meaning that they are going to be made homeless, often coincides with an attempt at suicide.”

After the debate, she added she wanted to get involved as mental health is an issue she "cares deeply" about.
She said: “Since becoming the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green nearly a year ago, the number of mental health cases raised with my office are increasing at an alarming rate.

"David Lammy and I called on the Minister to recognise the very worrying trend here in Haringey, and take robust action to tackle under-funding and ensure we have first-rate mental health provision for all those in need."  

Mr Burt also responded by saying he “shared” the same fears as the two MPs.

He said: “I am very proud of what we are currently doing on mental health.

“We are investing unprecedented amounts, with spending expected to increase to £11.7 billion.

“Care Commissioning Groups are required to continue increasing their spend on mental health each year and we are watching them.”

He also commented on Ms West’s speech and admitted the government needed to do “much more”.

Mr Burt said: “As for what the hon. Lady said, first, the issue of suicide is extremely important. I have asked for local suicide prevention plans to be revamped.

“We have a national suicide prevention strategy, but we do not have local suicide prevention plans in every area. That will change.

“She is right to talk about the link with homelessness. We need to do much more.”