The search for mental health beds is a scandal

Posted 10/02/2016 By: Sharon Allison

A report conducted by the Independent Commission has concluded the ever increasing practice of sending adults in England long distances for mental health care is unacceptable and ‘potentially dangerous’.

The report confirms that some 500 patients travel more than 30 miles each month to access essential mental health care and the government is asking the NHS to continue to make cut backs within mental health services by eliminating unnecessary out-of-area treatments.

The report calls for a change in the way that mental health services are delivered. Recommendations would include ensuring that no acutely ill patients should have to travel long distances to receive care and that there should be a maximum four hour wait for acute psychiatric care. This would ensure that mental health problems are dealt with in the same as physical conditions.

Sharon Allison, a medical injury lawyer at Ashtons Legal who specialises in mental health claims, says:

“The reality is that mental health care is not on par with care for physical conditions and, with relentless cuts to NHS budgets, this is not set to improve. I have dealt with cases in the past where clients have been offered acute mental health care so far away from their homes and family support networks that they cannot practically access the care that they need.

Extra funding has been promised by the Government to reform mental health services but it will be a long time coming before its effect will be felt on the ground. In the meantime, a very vulnerable part of our society continues to be put at risk. Implementing these changes has to be an urgent priority”.

If you would like individual advice about a possible medical injury claim please contact a member of our team on 0330 404 0750.