Legal News

The chief executive of mental health charity Mind has called the results of a CQC (Care Quality Commission) survey into mental health care “unacceptable” – as 32% of patients surveyed admitted they did not where to turn when experiencing a crisis in their mental health.

CEO of Mind Paul Farmer said that the results of the CQC survey show that there is “little sign” of mental health services improving for patients.

All three main political parties have pledged to make mental health services central to NHS care – including giving mental health parity with physical health conditions.

However, many mental health trusts are currently in the process of slashing budgets – with some cutting 20% from their budgets. This means fewer beds and more telephone support in some regions.

Budget cuts have also resulted in long waiting lists for services, with patients waiting for months to access talking therapies for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Mr Farmer said:

“These results are symptomatic of wider mental health care – and there is little sign that services are improving for people with mental health problems.

“While in some areas people get the help they need when they need it – and feel informed about and involved in their care – too often the opposite is the case.

“We are particularly concerned that a quarter of people had not had a review of their care in the past year – if a service hasn't reviewed a person's care with them, they can't possibly know whether the care they are providing is effective and right for them.

“That one in four people don't always feel treated with respect and dignity by those responsible for their care is completely unacceptable.

“It is also unacceptable that so many people don't know where to turn when in crisis – and that those who do seek crisis support often find they don't get the help they need.

“We should expect the same urgent response for mental health as we do for a physical health emergency.

“It is especially frustrating that many of the issues raised in the survey are long-standing problems that have not been addressed, despite the CQC highlighting them year on year.”
The Health Minister Lord Howe said that the CQC was playing “a vital role” in driving up standards in NHS mental health services – but added that there were still areas of mental health care which needed to be improved.

“The overall score for patient experience is high – but there are areas for improvement and people should always be involved in decisions about their care,” Lord Howe said.
“Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis must get easy access to help when they need it and – our Crisis Care Concordat is helping to make this happen.

“Safe, effective mental health care is essential – and the CQC plays a vital role in driving up standards.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Lawyers

Duncan Lewis mental health lawyers are available at short notice to visit hospitals and police stations across the country to advise on mental health law.

Duncan Lewis mental health lawyers are the largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services in the UK – and in some cases may be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient on mental health law and access to services or treatment reviews.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1224.