A shocking revelation has emerged that over 1,000 patients from Greater Manchester were sent to hospitals outside of their local area for mental health treatment last year, despite efforts to end the practice. This has raised concerns about the impact on patients’ well-being and the effectiveness of the mental health care system.
One such patient, 21-year-old Cassandra, was sent to a hospital 200 miles away in Norwich, where she felt isolated and alone. “I was completely shut out from the world around me,” she said, describing her experience.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has called for the government to prioritize community care to prevent hospital admissions and reduce the need for out-of-area placements. Professor Subodh Dave, the dean of the RCP, emphasized, “Good quality care in the community can prevent admissions and reduce the need for out-of-area placements.”
NHS Greater Manchester has increased spending on mental health services, but patients like Cassandra still face challenges accessing support close to home. The health service has acknowledged the need to improve community support and reduce reliance on out-of-area placements.
Cassandra’s story highlights the need for urgent action to address the gaps in mental health care and ensure that patients receive the support they need in their local communities.
