27.08.14
Self-harm attempts by mental health patients in NHS on rise – Labour
The number of patients self-harming and attempting suicide in NHS mental health units has increased significantly in recent years, new figures suggest.
Data, disclosed by mental health trusts in response to a Labour Party Freedom of Information request, reveal the number of such incidents at 29 of England's 52 NHS mental health trusts rose 56% from 14,815 in 2010 to 23,053 in 2013.
Luciana Berger MP, Labour’s shadow minister for Public Health, said: “This increase in self-harm and suicide attempts on NHS wards is deeply concerning.
“Mental health services have been squeezed year on year, the number of specialist doctors and nurses has dropped and there aren’t enough beds to meet demand. The pressure this is putting on mental health wards is intolerable.”
However, Professor Sir Simon Wessely, the new president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, does not believe the conclusions put forward by Labour, and said that increases were seen because of better reporting since Robert Francis's report into the Mid Staffs hospital scandal in early 2013.
"The concerns about [lack of] funding are genuine and the concerns about staffing are genuine, but I just don't think we can link that to deliberate self-harm,” said Prof Wessely.
But Mark Winstanley, chief executive of the charity Rethink Mental Illness, believes the figures highlight the marked deterioration of mental health services.
A Department of Health spokesperson told NHE: “We are determined to make sure that mental health services across the country give consistently high-quality care. Self-harm is a sign of serious emotional distress and it is crucial that people receive the support they need to address the underlying issues.
“The Mental Health Action plan outlines our priorities for improving care. For the first time, we are establishing clear waiting time limits for mental health services. New CQC inspections will also identify poor quality services quicker and ensure that action is taken to improve them. Through the Crisis Care Concordat we are also working across health, care and policing to make it clear that everyone experiencing a mental health crisis should receive the help they need.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]