Responding to figures published by Labour on A&E wait times for patients across England experiencing a mental health crisis last year, Adam Brimelow, director of communications at NHS Providers said:

"Rising demand compounded by shortages of beds, equipment and staff means that far too often, people face unacceptably long waits for mental health treatment.

"Trusts are working extremely hard to meet mental health care needs, including rolling out 24/7 access to crisis helplines, but they are under mounting pressure.

"We need places of safety to be available for people experiencing a mental health crisis so they can receive the right care in the right place as quickly as possible.

"To deliver timely mental health care in fit-for-purpose facilities, trusts need proper government backing.

"This includes long-term, sustainable investment in crisis and community mental health services, as well as in the mental health workforce.

"We also need better support for public health and social care services, as they play a key role in supporting people and helping to prevent mental ill health and deterioration."