Cole-Hamilton: Nicola Sturgeon has failed on mental health

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“The mental health treatment targets were introduced in December 2014 – 11 days after Nicola Sturgeon was sworn in as First Minister.

“They have never been met. Not once in over 3,000 days. That’s 99 consecutive months.

“I’ve lost count of the number of times that the First Minister told me the situation was unacceptable.

“I’ve lost count of the number of times she promised staff and sufferers things would get better.

“But in reality, Nicola Sturgeon quietly downgraded the office of mental health minister.

“Her Finance Department, headed by Kate Forbes, slashed £50m from the mental health budget this winter.

“And her Health Secretary Humza Yousaf gave a personal promise to clear waiting lists for both children and adults by March 2023. Presiding Officer, look at the calendar. It’s March. We are here and the SNP are nowhere.

“There is a sea of human pain out there, so much unmet need. Don’t just tell me it is unacceptable.

“At this late hour, at this final time of asking, will the First Minister admit her government has failed Scotland on mental health?”