Oliver Freeston, a Reform UK member of the North East Lincolnshire Council, stirred controversy with his remarks at a recent scrutiny panel meeting. On January 29, while chairing the authority's health and adult social care scrutiny panel, Freeston described mental health as the "21st Century version of the bad back." His comments came during a discussion on prolific callers to emergency services on mental health grounds, highlighting a contentious issue within the community.
Freeston claimed that both the East Midlands Ambulance Service and North East Lincolnshire's adult safeguarding board reported individuals contacting emergency services up to 20 times daily for mental health concerns. He suggested that there was a "sick note culture" in the UK, where people allegedly chose mental health as a career path.
"But there's now a sick note culture in the UK where people are choosing it as a career path." – Oliver Freeston
The council member expressed concerns about this issue, emphasizing the need for action. However, he later clarified his position, stating he did not imply that all individuals with mental health conditions were feigning their symptoms. Freeston acknowledged the seriousness of mental health, referring to it as a "silent killer."
"Everybody knows if you go to your GP and say, 'I've got anxiety and depression', you'll be signed off and get benefits for it." – Oliver Freeston
During the meeting, Sue Cousland, director of operations for Lincolnshire at the ambulance service, responded to Freeston's remarks but did not directly address his claims about prolific callers.
"It's difficult but even though, using your wording, people might be 'prolific callers', the day they call might be the day they need care." – Sue Cousland
Freeston's comments prompted a council officer to email him on January 31, urging moderation in his language. The email, seen by the BBC, highlighted expectations of behavior and approach for an elected member.
"There are certain expectations of behaviour, and approach, reasonably expected of an elected member. You know that." – Council officer (email)
Freeston defended his remarks by pointing out the operational challenges faced by emergency services.
"The problem [comes] when we've got an 80-year-old lady with a fractured hip and you're tied up with other calls," – Oliver Freeston
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) covered the meeting, bringing attention to the debate over how mental health issues are perceived and managed within emergency services.
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