More than 50,000 people with long-term mental illness are forgotten by the NHS because they do not qualify for emergency psychiatric care, the charity Rethink warned yesterday.

Health minister Rosie Winterton said the government had invested an extra £300 million last year to improve mental health care.

"Reform of mental health services is a government priority. More than 130 crisis resolution teams, over 220 assertive outreach teams, and more carer support networks are now in place to help and support people with long-term mental health needs and their carers," she said in response.