Health Minister Defends Mental Health Record Against GSD Criticism
Summary
Gibraltar Health Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez issued a press release on April 13, 2026 responding to GSD opposition criticism of mental health services. The Minister acknowledged the system needs improvement while defending the government's record, citing completion of Ocean Views and Hillsides facilities, increased mental health staffing, and 11 students training as Registered Mental Health Nurses. The statement contains no regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, or policy changes.
What changed
This press release is a political statement responding to opposition criticism of mental health services. It contains no regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, or enforcement actions. The Minister outlines government achievements including new facilities and increased staffing but does not create new legal duties.
For compliance purposes, this document has no regulatory impact. It represents political commentary and government record-keeping rather than a regulatory action. No new obligations, reporting requirements, or compliance deadlines are established for any regulated entities.
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Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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- + Reset ## GSD in No Position to Lecture Government on Mental Health - 256/2026
April 13, 2026
Reacting to the statement issued this morning by the GSD on mental health, the Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said:
“Our mental health system is not perfect and it must improve further. I have no hesitation in saying so. I have already said publicly that I have asked the new GHA Director General to look closely at mental health as part of the wider programme of improvements he is already undertaking.
“What I will not do, however, is take lessons from the GSD on mental health. We must be judged on our record, and they must be judged on theirs. They chose to build a new prison and an airport costing around £100 million before building a new mental health facility to replace the old and neglected KGV. We have built Ocean Views and Hillsides, and we have substantially increased staffing levels in mental health. We now also have 11 students undertaking the Registered Mental Health Nurses Degree. That degree takes three years to complete, and they are due to qualify next September. We are therefore holding those vacancies for them, in line with our policy to recruit local talent, where possible. We are also now fully embarked on relocating the CMHT to Sir Joshua Hassan House.
“There is more to do, that is for sure, but my focus will remain on improving the system for service users and shortening waiting times and not on entertaining the GSD in their attempt to score party political points.”
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