Pregnant women and mothers dealing with depression would be given specialist treatment in 40 new community outreach centres, under plans to be included in the Liberal Democrat manifesto.
Nick Clegg declared that the party would be dedicated to spending £3.5 billion more, over the next parliament on mental health care in England. This includes £250 million for eight new mother and baby units, accommodating inpatient care for pregnant women and new mothers, as well as 40 new community services helping them adjust to life at home with their baby.
The Lib-Dems would also propose the first waiting time standards for people suffering from mental health conditions. The waiting time standard from referral would be no more than six weeks for anxiety or depression therapy and a two-week waiting time standard for all young people who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis.
While launching this manifesto, Nick Clegg stated that many were refused “happy, fulfilling lives because of mental health. “One in four of us will experience mental health problems. And yet for decades health services have been neglected.”