Record Number of Mental Health Patients Stuck in NHS Hospitals

The NHS in England reported the highest level of delayed discharges from mental health units in eight years, with 49,677 days recorded in March. Contributing factors include waiting for care home placements and supported housing. Experts urge more funding and better post-discharge support to tackle these issues.

In March, the NHS in England reported its highest level of 'delayed discharges' from mental health units in at least eight years, clocking 49,677 days.

Patients who were clinically ready to leave but stayed due to non-clinical reasons saw delays rise to 39,098 days in April 2023, up from a pandemic low of 17,000 in July 2020.

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust and East London NHS Foundation Trust witnessed the highest delays.

Contributing factors include waiting for care home placements and supported housing.

Dr. Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, cited lack of social care as a major issue, recommending an additional one hundred million pound investment to tackle the problem.

Mark Winstanley, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness, echoed the concerns, stressing the need for adequate post-discharge support.

Coroners have raised alarms about the severe effects of mental health bed shortages, warning the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS England acknowledged the significant pressure and the need for collaborative efforts to address housing and care placement issues.