“People in long-stay mental health hospital beds far from home need to be offered better support closer to home”, Centre for Mental Health chief executive Sarah Hughes said today.
Responding to the Care Quality Commission’s State of Mental Health Services report, Sarah Hughes said: “Our research has shown that a significant number of people are spending very long periods in hospital, often outside their home areas, with little hope of re-establishing an independent life. The CQC report today reaffirms this conclusion and calls for action to meet people’s needs more effectively.
A significant number of people are spending very long periods in hospital, often outside their home areas, with little hope of re-establishing an independent life.
“We need clear leadership from the Government and NHS Arm’s Length Bodies to improve the support provided locally to people with complex mental health needs. And we need Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships to take action to ensure effective help is available nationwide.
“Today’s report is an important reminder that while mental health services are striving to offer the highest quality care with limited resources, we need to address the shortcomings and restrictive practices the CQC has identified wherever and whenever they occur.”
Read our recent report on long-stay mental health rehabilitation services
