This week, the Guardian reported that NHS England is sending patients who are seriously ill with eating disorders to Scotland for treatment. Chronic bed shortages mean there is nowhere for them to get help closer to home.
Mental health experts have expressed concern about this, saying it’s compromising the quality of care for those in need.
It’s not the first time there have been reports of mental health patients being sent miles from home for treatment. Earlier this year, research by Community Care and BBC News found that in 2015 more than 5,400 mental health patients had to travel out of area for a psychiatric bed.
There are also reports of specialist mental health services turning away almost a quarter (23%) of children and young people seeking help. The Education Policy Institute Independent Commission on Children and Young People’s Mental Health, which did the report, said it is often because there are “high thresholds” for accessing services.
Research suggests that cultural factors can make it harder to get help too. Professors at Brighton and Sussex Medical School found black and minority ethnic groups struggle to access services, partly because of a communication breakdown between healthcare users and providers.
What are your experiences of accessing mental health services? We want to hear from people of all ages and backgrounds, across the UK, about any challenges you faced or help you received. Were you able to access help as soon as it was necessary, or was there a waiting period? If you had to wait, how did this affect you? Were your concerns met by your GP? Were you moved miles from home for treatment? Or perhaps you want to thank professionals for looking after you. What were the best aspects of your care? Share your stories and experiences with us in the form below.
What are your experiences of accessing mental health services in the UK? | Sarah Marsh
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