I am committed to ensuring that mental heath, as a priority NHS service, receives an appropriate share of that increased resource. Faster response, fairer access to services, and better quality of care in high quality surroundings for patients and their families. I am grateful to the Mental Welfare Commission for their contribution to this agenda. The Commission's report this year highlights areas where services could be improved. That is what they are there for.
Continuous improvement needs to be monitored and evaluated at every stage.
The Commission rightly flags up the ongoing need to improve the fabric of our buildings, to reduce the unacceptable levels of delayed discharge, the need for the legislative framework to catch up with developments in the field, and the care and treatment for those in the State Hospital. I am pleased to note ongoing developments on all these fronts. Nowhere are modern dignified surroundings more important in the NHS than where patients with mental health problems are concerned. Sadly, thanks to years of neglect, too many of our mental health facilities are simply not up to the job. This helped to supplement ongoing initiatives around the country.