Editorial: Government needs to listen to those dealing with the health system

Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman. Photo / File

Pressure is mounting on the Government to consider a series of recommendations on ways to improve the country's mental health system.

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne this week accepted an open letter, signed by 12,800 people, from lobby group Action Station.

Prominent signatories included film director Taika Waititi.

The letter calls on the Government to implement the four recommendations in the "People's Mental Health Report".

Released last month by Action Station, the report includes the stories of 500 people, with just 7 per cent reporting positive experiences with the health system.

Problems included people waiting too long to access services and treatment or being declined for treatment.

Earlier, Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman was quoted as saying the people behind Action Station were "very left-wing, anti-Government protesters".

He's entitled to his view.

However, I think, given the report includes so many first-hand accounts from those who have experienced the system, it should be considered.

It's no secret that the mental health system is under pressure.

Prime Minister Bill English acknowledges that the number of people needing secondary mental health and addiction services had increased substantially.

The Budget this month will include a $321 million social investment spending package. And Coleman has confirmed new funding for mental health and addiction services as part of the social investment package.

These funding announcements will be welcomed by those working in the sector. It's a complex problem, and to find a solution the Government needs to consider views from a wide range of organisations - including lobby groups like Action Station.