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Patients Association: Over 8000 serious incidents reported by mental health trusts in England in 2014/15
The Patients Association is troubled by the sharp rise in serious incidents reported by mental health trusts in England.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Liberal Democrats has shown an increase in the number of unexpected deaths and suicides at these trusts. In 2014/15, 8139 serious incidents occurred across 58 Trusts, compared to 6074 in 2012/13. The release of these worrying figures follows the revelations of significant failings at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said:
“The Patients Association calls for a full, transparent and independent investigation into the shortcomings of mental health services. The rise in the number of unexplained deaths and suicides is extremely concerning. We know from supporting the family of Jo Deering, who committed suicide after failings by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, how upsetting this will be for families affected by the news. These deaths must be investigated fully, so that other families will never have to go through this terrible ordeal.
The poor state of mental health care in England continues to be uncovered. The Patients Association is unfortunately not surprised to hear the rise in the number of serious incidents at mental health trusts. We are hearing from an increasing number of patients on our National Helpline who have mental health issues and cannot access the services they need. The Government must recognise the wider crisis that mental health care is facing in this country by strengthening the provision of services for these vulnerable patients.”
Notes to Editors:
The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 52 years ago, which has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the UK Health and Social care system.
For further information please contact Matthew Tisi, Communications & Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8423 9111, or email matthew@patients-association.com or call 07779 004898
Visit our website at www.patients-association.org.uk
