Responding to the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) report into mental health out of area placements, RCN UK Professional Lead for Mental Health Ben Thomas said:
“Some of the most vulnerable are being shunted around the country at a time when they need stability. This is a symptom of a mental health system which has neither the beds nor the workforce to deliver care closer to home. It’s an unacceptable way to treat people, disrupting treatment plans, slowing recovery and delaying discharge.
“As the government looks to reform the NHS, it must not overlook mental health services. We desperately need new investment to grow the specialist nursing workforce and increase the number of mental health beds. We must also see a boost to the number of crisis resolution and home treatment teams alongside other support in the community to give patients the care they deserve.”
Ends
