Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has called on the Health Minister to ensure those suffering mental health distress receive the right care when they need it.

The party’s social care spokesperson said:

“Mental health continues to affect people of all ages throughout our society, and these people deserve to be fully supported in their time of need.

“The Health Minister must work with the PSNI and mental health services to ensure that anyone suffering mental health distress receives the appropriate care when and where they need it.

“It is simply not good enough that the only way to protect someone suffering a severe collapse in their mental health is to arrest them.

“We will be again raising these issues at the Policing Board and seeking clarification of the health department’s input into the ‘right care right person’ approach.

“I will continue to work with the minister and the other parties to help provide better support and treatment for those experiencing mental ill-health, and to ensure no one is endangered when suffering severe mental distress.”