Concerns have been raised about the quality of care, bed shortages, and an increased risk of suicide as thousands of patients are readmitted to NHS mental health units in England soon after being discharged. The annual report from Human Rights Watch also highlighted issues in the UK government’s approach to human rights.
Figures from NHS mental health trusts reveal that nearly 5,000 people, including children and adults, were readmitted to mental health facilities within a month of their discharge in the last year. Labour MP Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan, who obtained this data through freedom of information laws, expressed alarm at the high number of patients not receiving sufficient support for recovery.
In 2022-23, 3,381 patients were readmitted within 30 days, and 1,972 were readmitted within a week, a situation considered unacceptable by mental health services. Dr. Allin-Khan warned that premature discharge could have a disastrous impact on patients’ health and hinder their chances of full recovery, especially with record waiting lists and limited mental health beds.
Although the figures indicate a decline in seven- and 30-day readmissions compared to previous years, mental health experts emphasize the potential harm caused by early returns to the hospital, particularly for mentally fragile patients. The risk of suicide may be heightened in such cases.
Mersey Care trust had the highest number of 30-day readmissions, followed by East London and Sussex Partnership trusts. The Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey trusts had the highest number of seven-day readmissions. Marjorie Wallace, CEO of mental health charity Sane, expressed shock at the figures and highlighted the importance of adequate support from community-based mental health teams to prevent readmissions.
The UK government is criticized in the report for a “dismal year for human rights,” specifically citing continued assaults on fundamental rights, such as the right to protest and seek asylum. The Human Rights Watch report emphasizes the global trend of leaders shunning their obligations to uphold international law and warns of escalating human rights crises worldwide.
Marjorie Wallace, the CEO of mental health charity Sane, emphasized the critical need for robust support from community-based mental health teams to prevent readmissions. She highlighted instances where vulnerable patients received insufficient help after discharge, leading to tragic cases of suicide. Wallace stressed the importance of timely intervention and support, especially within the first 48 hours following discharge, when the risk of suicide is often highest.
The annual report from Human Rights Watch, which raises concerns about human rights globally, further underscores the challenges facing mental health care in England. The high number of readmissions to mental health units within a short period raises questions about the quality of care, resource availability, and the overall effectiveness of mental health services.
Despite the decline in seven- and 30-day readmissions compared to previous years, health experts like Andy Bell, CEO of the Centre for Health thinktank, express worry about the distressing experience for patients returning to the hospital shortly after being discharged. The decline in mental health beds over the past three decades adds to the challenges faced by mental health services.
NHS England disputes the extrapolation of figures to all 54 trusts but does not provide a detailed explanation for the readmissions or directly address the findings. The spokesperson emphasizes that NHS health teams work to discharge patients at the appropriate time and mentions increased funding for health services as part of the NHS long-term plan.
As mental health remains a crucial aspect of overall healthcare, the reported issues highlight the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to address challenges in the mental health system. Adequate resources, timely interventions, and a commitment to providing ongoing support are essential to ensuring the well-being and recovery of individuals struggling with health issues in the community.
