Mental Health bed scandal

[annie]

copyright SPL

The practice of sending mentally ill adults in England long distances for care is unacceptable and must end, a report by experts says.

The Independent Commission, chaired by ex-NHS chief executive Lord Crisp, said some cases were potentially dangerous.

Some 500 patients travel more than 50km (31 miles) to access care each month - as acute inpatient beds or services are unavailable in their areas, it said.

The government has asked the NHS to cut unnecessary out-of-area treatments.

The report, which is backed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP), recommends changes to how services are commissioned.

It says that, from October 2017, no acutely ill patient should have to travel long distances to receive care.

At the same time, a maximum four-hour wait for acute psychiatric care - in hospital or the community after an initial assessment - should be introduced, it says.

The aim is to guarantee that patients with mental health problems are treated equally to those with physical problems.




http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35521180

[maureenho]

The mental health care in this country is terrible

[wendy]

i hope this makes things better.