Urgent Call to Stop Mental Health Patients Falling Through the Cracks
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has slammed the urgent lack of follow-up care for mental health patients discharged from hospitals. They warn vulnerable patients are slipping through the cracks, with too many missing critical aftercare within 72 hours – the crucial window where suicide risk is highest.
Shock Stats Reveal Thousands Missed Crucial Follow-Ups
- Between April 2020 and May 2022, a staggering 37,999 follow-up appointments weren’t even scheduled in England.
- Only 76% of eligible patients received follow-up care within 72 hours, falling short of the 80% target set back in 2019.
- Suicide risk peaks on the second and third day after discharge from a mental health ward.
In 2020, England recorded 4,912 suicides, with men at a rate of 15.3 per 100,000 and women at 4.9, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Experts Demand More Staff and Funding Now
“We simply can’t afford to let people fall through the cracks at a time when they are so vulnerable,” said Dr Adrian James, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. “It is critical that our mental health services are properly staffed and funded in order to provide proper follow-up care and help prevent suicides.”
Dr James added that current resources are “clearly insufficient” and called for immediate action to fix the workforce crisis to meet NHS suicide prevention targets.
NHS Responds: Millions to Receive More Mental Health Support
An NHS spokesperson said mental health services are helping more people than ever, from talking therapies to community care for severe illnesses. They highlighted a new 72-hour follow-up target, down from seven days.
“Anyone struggling with their mental health should come forward and get the help they need,” they urged.
The Department of Health and Social Care also announced a £2.3 billion funding boost by 2024, aiming to help an extra two million people across England.
“Improving mental health is critical to levelling disparities in outcomes across the country,” said the spokesperson. “We have launched a call for evidence to understand long-term support for mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention.”
But with suicide rates still high and thousands missing vital care, experts say urgent action is needed now before more lives are lost.
