The report featured images of people in acute mental distress who were left waiting in A&E for more than 12 hours, and in some cases, up to three days, without access to specialised mental health support. Dr Tony Romero, CEO of Cygnet, gives his response.
Mental health crises require a specialised approach that A&E departments, designed primarily for physical emergencies, are often not equipped to provide. This underscores a critical issue that independent and voluntary mental health services witness daily and are committed to addressing in partnership with the NHS.
People presenting with mental health concerns need calm, therapeutic environments, access to specialist assessments, and clear pathways to appropriate care, whether that be inpatient admission, crisis resolution, or community support. Prolonged waits in a busy A&E can lead to a deterioration in a person’s condition, increased risk, and a greater burden on an already stretched healthcare system. We must consider the pressure on every staff member, every individual experiencing a mental health crisis and their loved ones who often feel helpless and isolated.
A&E is, by its very nature, a high-pressure environment, and for someone experiencing a mental health crisis, it can be overwhelming, exacerbating their distress rather than alleviating it. The report’s findings are a stark reminder that our mental health services are under immense strain, and the current system is not consistently meeting the urgent needs of some of our most vulnerable citizens.
Yet there are specialist mental health beds available in the voluntary and independent sector today that could immediately help to reduce the burden on the overstretched healthcare system. Where the number of NHS mental health beds has declined in recent years, we have invested in specialist hospitals designed to provide calm, therapeutic environments. We are committed to alleviating this pressure by offering accessible services, including crisis support, acute inpatient care and a range of therapeutic interventions.
Our aim is to ensure that individuals can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time, thereby reducing the need for A&E attendance in the first instance or facilitating swift discharge when necessary. With the right treatment, support and care, a great many people with mental health issues can be rehabilitated to return to their communities, friends and families to live fulfilling lives, contributing meaningfully to society.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to working collaboratively with the NHS, government, and other stakeholders to build a more resilient, compassionate, and effective mental health system. Every patient deserves dignity and prompt care, especially during a crisis, and we are dedicated to being part of the solution to ensure that becomes a reality for all.