The daughter of a woman accused of a serious crime is raising questions about the province’s mental health system and the supports available for those in need.

Fifty-one-year-old Irene Hutchings was arrested last week after a disturbance at Atlantic Place. Hutchings is accused of stabbing the RNC officer who attended the scene.

Hutching’s daughter Natasha told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly her mother has struggled with mental health issues for many years.

Prior to the incident in Atlantic Place, Natasha says her mother had sought help for her mental health but was put on a waitlist. And according to Natasha, things haven’t improved since she was taken into custody.

“There’s no excuse for what she (allegedly) did,” says Natasha, but “they’re not giving her the help she needs in custody.” Natasha claims her mother has been refused the right to see a doctor.

Hutchings underwent a 24-hour psychiatric assessment last week and was deemed fit to face the charges against her, but the judge questioned whether another psychiatric assessment might be necessary. She’s scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for bail.

The officer was treated in hospital for his injuries.

Health Minister Tom Osborne says government continues to work toward improving health care and supports for people with mental illness.

He credits his predecessor John Haggie for a “tremendous amount of progress” in the delivery of mental health services, however, he admits, “is everything fixed? Absolutely not” and “much more work needs to be done.”