PLAN FOR CHANGE WELCOME

EXPERT Alison Cobb said: “It is common for people in mental health crisis to find themselves in A&E departments.

“This is especially so if they have self-harmed, contemplated or attempted suicide.”

Alison, senior policy and campaigns officer at the charity Mind, continued“If someone has harmed themselves, A&E is the best place to get attention for their physical injuries.

“In addition it’s really important their mental health needs are addressed too, which are every bit as important as the immediate physical concerns. “As well as A&E,A&E we need to see alternatives

available, such as crisis houses and cafes which provide a safe space for people in crisis. At the very least, people under the care of mental health services need to be kept safe from harm, and this includes preventing vulnerable people being discharged too soon, or without the right support.

Together

“There can be disastrous consequences for patients who leave care before they’re ready, or without appropriate aftercare.

“If this is not in place they are at greater risk of taking their own lives.

“Lots of A&E departments have a psychiatric liaison team whose job it is to make sure people get the right support for their mental health. “Unfortunately, they aren’t currently in operation in all A& E departments, but the government plans for them to be made available everywhere by 2021.

“This five-year plan for transforming mental health services has an extra £1billion funding attached to it, which is welcome after so many years of underfunding.

“In addition, the Crisis Care Concordat has been introduced to try to get different agencies – including parts of the NHS, the police and local authorities – to better work together.

“The aim is to try to make sure people in crisis get the help they need.”