Thousands of people are being forced to travel tens or even hundreds of miles to access mental health treatment at the NHS – because there are no local beds available.
In May alone, there were 575 “non-conforming out-of-area mental health positions” in the UK.
More than three in five patients (62%) have to travel more than 60 miles from home, according to the latest analysis of data from NHS Digital by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
And 50% of positions lasted more than 31 days – a record high percentage.
Rachel Bannister’s daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder in 2013 and taken to a number of remote hospitals over the next three years – including one in Scotland, a few blocks from the family home in Nottingham. hundred miles.
She was there for six months, including Christmas.
Rachel told Sky News: “She called me and she would say, ‘Mom, I just want you to come pick me up and take me for a walk in the park or give me a hug,'” Rachel told Sky News.
“She was 300 kilometers away in Scotland when she said that, and it frustrates me.”
Seeing her daughter go was also painful, Rachel said: “The hurt of that initial separation when your child is ripped from your family’s hearts – you feel that you have failed them.”
Rachel Bannister says she feels like she’s failed her daughter
Deadline missed
The government sets what it describes as a “national ambition” to eliminate unsuitable positions outside the region by 2020-21.
But that time has long since passed and there has been little progress.
In the 12 months since the deadline was missed, 4,180 new non-regional positions were recorded.
COVID-related pressures, including bed closures for infection control and staff absenteeism, are believed to have contributed to continuing problems.
Clinicians say it is “heartbreaking” to have to tell patients they are about to be taken away.
This is a subject on which the Royal Society of Psychiatrists takes a “zero tolerance” approach.
“These positions are harmful to patients, to their loved ones and loved ones, and to success,” said Subodh Dave, the school’s principal.
“What we want is to end these inappropriate out-of-area placements and better fund mental health services both pre- and post-hospitalization to support crisis teams to support support recovery efforts.”
There are some situations where out-of-area care is the best option for the patient.
They may require specialist services that their local hospital cannot provide, or they may choose to receive treatment in a different area to be closer to family.
The Department of Health and Social Care said in a statement: “Everyone should have access to safe, appropriate mental health care, and we see the impact that receiving care remotely loved ones may have.
“That’s why we’re investing an extra £2.3 billion a year to transform NHS mental health services by 2024, meaning more people will be able to get care. squirrel as close to home as possible.”
Rachel Bannister is now campaigning for better funded NHS services through her charity – Mental health – Time for action.
