BOLTON'S health chiefs are vowing to improve mental health services in the town.

Plans to reduce the gap between getting treatment mental health issues and improving support for patients are being considered by the NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group.

Currently the national target for mental health services referral times is two to 14 weeks.

At its public board meeting on Friday, chairman Wirin Bhatiani said meeting national targets was not enough and more needed to be done in Bolton.

He said: "In every form I talk to and listen to with the public, mental health is the common thread which comes up again and again.

"We think we do well because we meet the national targets, but I do not think that is enough. Those national standards just aren't good enough.

"In Sweden you are assessed within a week or two and are supported to get back to work. Here it is six to 14 weeks which is time when people are off work and in that time they may be prescribed drugs which might not be the most appropriate treatment."

Su Long, chief officer of Bolton CCG, added her support arguing patients needed better access to psychological services where they could receive support to help get them back into work.

The board also discussed the potential of a new project being looked at by health bodies in Greater Manchester which will help provide greater support for people unable to work or who are struggling to return to work due to mental health issues.

"It is an opportunity top procure a mental health plan for Greater Manchester," Dr Long added.

"There is funding needed but match funding is expected from the EU this year which we believe is still possible."

The board agreed to discuss the matter further at its next meeting in July.