News release, 4 December 2007
Responding to the Healthcare Commission’s fourth State of Healthcare report, Kathryn Hill, Director of Mental Health Programmes at the charity, said:
“What stands out in the report is the number of incidents in mental health services that resulted in severe harm or death – they are disproportionately high. The figures, reported via the National Patient Safety Agency, show that more patients die as a result of an incident in a mental health service than in any other setting, including acute and general hospitals where there are five times as many reported incidents. These statistics require urgent investigation and action.
“The report once again highlights the problems that people who use community mental health services face – over half did not have an emergency number to phone out of hours if they were in crisis and only half had been offered a copy of their care plan. These patients are being denied a basic level of care - in any other care setting these findings would be unacceptable.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
For more information, please contact Fran Gorman on 020 7803 1128 or 07967 586489, or email fgorman@mhf.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
News releases 2007
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