Rethink Mental Illness: Drop in mental health staffing ‘alarming’
Paul Jenkins, CEO of the charity Rethink Mental Illness, has urged to government to act now to protect people with mental illness, as new figures show an 11 per cent drop in mental health services which have enough staff.
The Care Quality Commission update report shows that standards in staffing levels in mental health services are adequate in only 80 per cent of mental health services, a dramatic 11 per cent drop from 2011-12. At the same time, staffing for physical health services has actually increased.
Mr Jenkins said: “This report shows an alarming drop in the standards of care for people with mental illness. Our members have been telling us about the impact of cuts for years, and this report provides hard evidence of how mental health services are being hit.
“The government has repeatedly claimed that one of their key ambitions is to put mental health on a level with physical health, but this report shows that on the ground, this isn’t happening, in fact the gap is widening.
“This is particularly worrying in light of The Schizophrenia Commission’s findings, which revealed last year that some mental health services are already desperately under-resourced and under-staffed. They found ‘shameful’ standards of care on some acute mental health wards, which can make patients worse rather than better. We need to be investing more of our health budget in mental health, not letting things get even worse.
“Ministers must act urgently to make sure that mental health services have the resources and staff that they need to provide the care that all patients deserve. It could be the difference between life and death for some of the most vulnerable people in our society”
ENDS
The Schizophrenia Commission
The Schizophrenia Commission was set up in November 2011 to examine the state of care for people with schizophrenia and psychosis in England.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.
For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.
We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.
We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.
Brian Semple
Media Relations Officer
020 7840 3043
Follow me on twitter @SempleSemple
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