18 ICBs warned over deaths following care failures

Disjointed, delayed, and substandard care for people with both mental illness and additional needs are highlighted throughout reports sent to integrated care boards on the deaths of 24 people, HSJ has found.

A lack of inpatient beds, poor communication, staff shortages, and care fragmentation were common concerns raised with 18 ICBs in relation to 24 deaths linked to mental health care since the boards’ creation in July 2022, HSJ analysis reveals.

Of a total of 53 “prevention of future death reports” addressed to ICBs, 24 focused primarily on mental health – the most common theme of the reports.

Many of those who died were young, and many had additional needs, such as autism, ADHD or learning disabilities. They often endured long delays because of poorly-connected physical and mental health services. Some were refused multiple referrals because of the complexity of their needs.

Twenty-two of the 24 deaths were from suicide or self-harm.

Read full story (paywalled)

Source: HSJ, 28 January 2025