Mind responds to CQC report on Crisis Care
The Care Quality Commission has today launched its 'Right here, right now' report, which looks at the experiences of people in mental health crisis and whether services are supporting them effectively.
In response to the report Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
"This is an important review that looks in detail at a vital part of NHS mental health services. We welcome its findings and the thorough, person-centred way in which it has been conducted.
"The report will not come as a surprise to anyone who has found themselves in crisis or who is involved in supporting people when they are at their most unwell. We know that, while excellent services do exist, the emergency response for mental health in many parts of England is just not good enough. We take for granted that when we have a physical health emergency, we will get the help we need urgently. It should be no different for mental health, yet far too many people are just not getting the help they need.
"This report is a clear call to action. Mental health services are the victim of years of neglect and funding cuts over the last few years have taken their toll, at a time of rising demand. National and local commissioners must now make mental health a priority and invest in the future of our mental health services.
"We share the CQC’s optimism that the Crisis Care Concordat is a big opportunity to address the issues raised in this review. Every local area in England now has a detailed action plan for improving the support available for people in crisis, which has been signed by commissioners, NHS trusts, the police, local authorities and other services and agencies. It has been a huge piece of work getting to this point but in a way the work is just beginning. The challenge now is for every local area to deliver on their action plan so that everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the help they need, when they need it."
See our media volunteer Jenny speak about her experiences of crisis care here
You can see what plans are in place to improve crisis care in your area here