Mind responds to Covid Inquiry Module 3 report
Mind, the mental health charity, had Core Participant status at Module 3 of the Covid Inquiry, and has responded to the report published today.
Mind spoke specifically about the inpatient care of children and young people during the pandemic, as investigated in Module 3 of the Inquiry. The report found that:
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Infection prevention and control measures in inpatient units did not adequately consider the impact they would have on mental health services and the needs of mental health patients
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Staff absences – due to sickness and self-isolation – impacted the quality of inpatient care for children and young people in mental health units
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A move to remote working meant there was a lack of consideration of the needs of patients when delivering mental health care for children and young people
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The shielding programme had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of individuals considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable
Jemima Olchawski, Interim Executive Director of Social Change at Mind, said:
“Today’s report lays bare the lack of consideration of children and young people’s mental health inpatient treatment during the pandemic.
“As the pandemic progressed, demand for inpatient care rose and young people presented with more severe needs, driven partly by the lack of access early to support. Those who did receive care often found their individual needs overlooked as services moved online. And staff shortages meant some young people were discharged before their treatment was complete, increasing the risk of relapse or readmission.
“Mental health cannot be an afterthought. The UK Government must learn from this report and ensure high‑quality mental health care is built into future emergency planning, backed by investment that shifts care from hospitals to communities, so children and young people get the right support, at the right time.”
