The Health Minister is fighting back claims the Government's done nothing to improve the state of New Zealand's mental health.
It comes after fresh claims billions of dollars in mental health funding is going down the drain, with exclusive figures provided to Newshub showing New Zealand currently has 608 beds for acute patients - the exact same number as five years ago when Labour came into Government.
But Health Minister Andrew Little told AM a lot has been done so far, particularly when addressing mild to moderate mental health issues.
"In the last 2.5 years, we've added nearly 1200 people to the front line of mental health services. These are people who are filling roles that are in GP clinics, community health clinics, kaupapa Māori health services and youth health services," he told host Melissa Chan-Green.
Little said he was aware of the challenges facing acute mental health services.
He said an extra $100 million was allocated to those services by the Government this year.
"We've made a concerted effort since the time we've been in Government to stop the neglect of mental health - which had been the case before - and to beef up our front-line services."
Little said the $100 million for acute mental health services was on top of the $1.9 billion allocated in 2019.
The Government was still working to complete the rollout of that funding, he said.
Little admitted, however, there had been some delays.
In defence of there being no additional acute mental health beds, he said the number fluctuated from year to year.
"It does go up and down so I think we've got to be a little bit careful about the measure," Little said. "If the point that you're putting to me in your story is that, 'Nothing's happened', that is completely untrue and we now have services that simply were not around 2.5 years ago."
Opposition calls for answers
National Party Mental Health and Suicide Prevention spokesperson Matt Doocey said in a statement it was "astonishing" no extra acute beds had been delivered.
"Serious questions need to be answered. Where has this money gone, why hasn't it made any difference and why has there been no investment in bed numbers?
"This Labour Government constantly confuses spending money with outcomes," Doocey said.
Little said 18,000 New Zealanders, in September alone, accessed the country's front-line mental health services.
"As I get around, and talk to users of those services and the providers of them, they all tell me just what a difference that is making."
He said Labour made "serious commitments" to improving New Zealand's mental health services when it took office.
The Government would continue working to upgrade facilities - including adding acute mental health beds, he said.
"We have… sixteen projects that are about upgrading facilities and adding more beds."
Little said the major gap identified back in 2018 was the lack of services for people with mild-moderate mental health needs. The Government had made major progress in plugging that gap, he said.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
