Canterbury DHB pleased increased mental health need recognised

Canterbury DHB chair, Murray Cleverley, is pleased with today’s announcement by the Minister of Health, Dr Jonathan Coleman, which acknowledges the increased demand for mental health services Canterbury DHB has experienced since the series of earthquakes that have rocked the region since 2010.

“It’s fantastic to see the increased demand recognised, as our staff and those providing care in the community are certainly feeling it, and our data is still showing high numbers of new people being admitted into the acute inpatient service,” Mr Cleverley says.

He says the additional funding will allow the DHB to continue to provide the services people in our community need.

“It is recognition to those at the sharp end of providing care that their work is highly valued. This is the work that is being carried out every day in the community, through primary care and non-government organisations, in schools, in the police watch-house, in prisons and across the specialist mental health service.

“The fact this funding is spread over a three year period, means that we can take a longer term view. We will continue to adjust our services to meet the changing demand patterns over time.

“At the moment we are seeing really high demand for Child and Youth services. This funding means we can continue to invest and strengthen these services,” Mr Cleverley says.

ENDS

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