Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Mental Health Minister, commenting on the Royal College of Psychiatrists survey that shows 43% increase in urgent and emergency appointments since lockdown, said:

“The scale of the mental health crisis that is emerging in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is truly alarming and should serve as a stark warning for the government.

“With urgent cases rising, coupled with a fall in routine treatments, there is a perfect storm ready to hit already stretched mental health services. These changes in access to services could see some of those most vulnerable dropping off the radar.

“A growing demand for treatment will put pressure on mental health services like never before. The government must ensure that services have the resources they need to cope.”