Thousands of people with mental health conditions are not getting the follow-up care they need when being sent home from hospital
Mind’s findings make it clear that the existing guidelines for supporting people with mental health conditions after being discharged from hospital are not being universally met, putting people at risk.
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) say that everyone discharged from a mental health hospital should be contacted to find out how they are doing within 7 days of discharge, because the risk of post-discharge suicide is highest in the first week.
However, Mind have heard that 11,000 people (10%) did not receive a follow-up call or meeting with a mental health professional within a week after they’d been discharged from a mental health hospital over the last year.
Responding to the findings, Healthwatch England National Director Imelda Redmond said:
“Mind’s findings make it clear that the existing guidelines for supporting people with mental health conditions after being discharged from hospital are not being universally met, putting people at risk.
“In our report Safely Home, more than 300 people with mental health conditions shared their experiences with us. They told us that the first couple of days after discharge were the most important for building the confidence, routine and networks necessary for everyday life. Some had been told by their doctor, nurse or social worker to expect a call or visit within the first week whilst others were left wondering when they might next hear from someone.
“In some cases, people told us that without support they had attempted to harm themselves or others. To help prevent this, people said they wanted support not only immediately post-discharge, but in the following weeks, to make sure that they were coping with being back at home.
“It’s really important that people continue to share their experiences so that services meet the needs of people, particularly when they’re at their most vulnerable.”
