One in four of the population will suffer a mental health problem

The Wales Audit Office says provision is inconsistent, uncoordinated and in danger of not meeting Welsh Assembly Government targets and standards.

It recommends improved promotion of mental health issues and improved training of GPs and primary care staff.

Deputy Welsh Health Minister John Griffiths said the assembly government recognised improvements were needed.

Services for adults with mental health needs have a long way to go Jeremy Colman, auditor-general for Wales

An updated national service framework and action plan for mental health is launched on Monday.

The Wales Audit Office report, published on Monday, which is World Mental Health Day, outlines problems in planning, organisation and monitoring of mental health services.

Auditors say those with mental heath problems - as many as one in four of the population at some time in their lives - have many different needs, including community care, housing and mental health inpatient care.

The report points to some examples of good practice in all of these fields, but auditor-general for Wales Jeremy Colman said there needed to be better planning to ensure all parts offered the services required to the same high standard.

'Clearer approach'

Mr Colman said: "Services for adults with mental health needs have a long way to go.

"The Welsh Assembly Government should use the findings of this report, and other external reviews, to develop a clearer approach for the future to make sure people with mental health problems in Wales receive the quality of care they deserve."

This review was commissioned by the assembly government in an attempt to improve mental health services across Wales.

Its publication comes a day after several mental health organisations in Wales claimed patients were not receiving the services they needed.

Mind Cymru, Depression Alliance Cymru, and Hafal, which helps severely mentally ill people, said the quality of service could depend on where patients lived.