Shocking figures obtained by a Labour MP have shown that thousands of people are being readmitted to NHS mental health services just a short while after being discharged, calling into question the level of care being provided.
The figures, which were uncovered by Member of Parliament for Tooting Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who submitted a freedom of information request, revealed that 5,000 people were readmitted within a month of leaving.
Research has shown that discharging patients prematurely is not only detrimental to their chances of making a full recovery but also puts them at increased risk of suicide.
Allin-Khan said the data was “alarming”, and shows that people weren’t getting the level of care they needed.
As reported by the Guardian, Allin-Khan said: “With record waiting lists and mental health beds in short supply, it is alarming that many patients are being discharged only to be readmitted within days. Every patient expects to receive full and appropriate mental health support, so it is concerning that in many cases patients are being discharged prematurely.
“Being discharged too soon can have a disastrous impact, stunting progress towards a full recovery, ultimately causing further damage to a patient’s mental health.”
Analysing The Data
When looking at the figures, we can see that overall, 3,381 patients were readmitted within 30 days of their discharge by 35 of the 54 specialist mental trusts in England during 2022-23. By extrapolating those figures and applying them to all 54 trusts, this suggests an estimated 4,927 people were readmitted within a month, she said.
Even more shocking, during the same period, 1,972 people were readmitted by 36 trusts within just a week of discharge. By again extrapolating those figures to the 54 care providers, we can estimate that 2,794 people were readmitted as an inpatient within seven days.
Mersey Care Trust, located in Merseyside, had the most 30-day readmission in the country with 321. East London and Sussex partnership were second and third, with 298 and 278 respectively.
On a positive note, the figures show that readmissions within both a month and seven days are falling, down from 2017-2018’s figures of 4,338 and 2,336, respectively.
However, these are still far too high, and Marjorie Wallace, who’s the chief executive of the mental health charity Sane, said she was also taken aback by the figures. She said too many of these readmissions occur because vulnerable patients receive inadequate help from their local, community-based mental health teams following their initial discharge.
“That lack of support can be so significant that “in some tragic cases” patients kill themselves,” she said.
“Recent reports of the number of patients who, after discharge, experience ‘unexpected’ deaths are becoming a cause of concern.
“The highest risk of suicide can be within the first 48 hours following discharge, yet we still know patients who are left to go home alone to a flat or unsupported accommodation with nowhere to turn for help,” she added.
How Therapy Can Help
If you’re struggling with your mental health and you’re fortunate enough to be able to afford private therapy, this could provide the lifeline you’re looking for.
There are a number of therapeutic approaches that could bring some real improvements. To your mental health and help you cope with whatever is affecting you.
Different types, such as CBT, Trauma-Focused Therapy and DBT, offer a tailored approach to help individuals deal with and overcome their issues.
CBT will look to alter negative thought patterns, while Trauma Therapy aids in healing. DBT teaches coping skills to help someone come to terms with the root cause of their mental health illness.
Beyond helping individuals problem solve, therapy fosters growth and helps to build both resilience and self-awareness. A professional therapist can guide you and help you discover your strengths, while simultaneously navigating the hurdles of life.
That said, therapy is by no means a quick fix. Nor is it a cure-all for all your issues. It’ll take time to see improvements and you’ll need to work on yourself, using the advice given by your therapist. But with time and dedication, psychotherapy can pave the way for a brighter, more positive future.