Healthcare Commission reveals the extent to which acute mental health wards are failing patients

Posted Wednesday 23 July 2008

Commenting on the Healthcare Commission's report 'The pathway to recovery: A review of NHS acute inpatient mental health services', Emily Wooster, Policy Officer at mental health charity Mind said:

"While we are encouraged to see that the Healthcare Commission has identified a number of high performing trusts, we are deeply concerned that nearly one in four patients are still being treated by trusts rated as 'weak'. The best performing trusts were those that provided a therapeutic environment and engaged patients in meaningful activities - these things shouldn't be the preserve of our best hospitals, but should be absolutely fundamental to mental health care across the board.

"It is also alarming that 50 per cent of patients have no say in what is included in their care plan or the treatment they receive. At a time when the government is demanding increased involvement and greater personalised care, this represents a failing that not only opts patients out of designing the care that is best for them, but leaves them in the dark about what treatment they are receiving, and what to expect when they leave hospital.

"And yet again, we are confronted with more evidence that some mental health wards can be hostile and unsafe. No one should be expected to tolerate being housed in an environment where they feel threatened and at risk, let alone be treated in such an environment at a time of utter vulnerability and need. Action on this issue is long overdue - this shouldn't be too much to ask."

Further information

• Healthcare Commission mental health website

Notes to editors

• Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.
• For more information, interviews and a range of case studies please contact Mind press office on T: 020 8522 1743 M: 07850 788514 E: press@mind.org.uk
• ISDN line available: 020 8221 0817.
• Please note that Mind is not an acronym and should be set in title case.

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