The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cornwall has welcomed government plans to invest millions in mental health provision at all accident and emergency departments.

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to invest £247 million in the next five years to make sure that every emergency department has mental health support.

He has pledged that these services will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in at least half of England’s acute hospitals by 2020.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg said: “I warmly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to establish mental health services in every accident and emergency unit in the country”

“One year ago people in mental health crisis were routinely being locked up in police cells because the NHS had little capacity to deal with those who require controlled, mental health treatment.

“This situation has improved tremendously over the past year but it remains a scandal that people with mental health crisis are not routinely dealt with at A&E.”

Currently police officers spend lots of time trying to get people with mental health issues seen at hospitals, for the wellbeing of the individual and the safety of the public.

“The public would revolt if they were turned away from hospital with a broken bone but many in our society cannot go to the obvious place of care when mental illness takes hold,” said Mr Hogg.

“The Prime Minister’s announcement should go a long way in ensuring parity of care for all in our society including the most vulnerable.”