A report this week from HSJ shows that last year, NHS hospital trusts spent more than £18 million pounds on temporary staff to support mental health patients waiting in emergency departments and acute hospital wards.
Adam Crampsie, Chief Executive of Everyturn Mental Health, commented:
“Behind these figures are people in real distress, waiting in busy emergency departments or acute wards that aren’t designed to meet their mental health needs. It’s a poor experience for people accessing these services and a real challenge for frontline staff, while costs continue to rise for the NHS.
“The shift from hospital to community in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan is critical to addressing this. At Everyturn, we’re already seeing the real impact on people’s lives when that shift is made.
“Our clinically-led community rehabilitation models support people to move safely out of hospital, which frees up beds for people who need them most. Alongside this, our crisis services such as high street safe havens, and Hope Haven in Whitehaven – a neighbourhood mental health hub offering same-day support and a safe, non-clinical alternative to A&E and acute hospital settings – are providing timely, community-based support that prevents escalation and avoids unnecessary hospital admissions.
“If we’re serious about improving outcomes, experience and value, we need to keep building and investing in these community-based models at pace.
“By investing in community care, we can improve experiences for anyone needing mental health support at any stage. By working together, the NHS and community organisations can make sure people and communities get the right care, when and where they need it most.”