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Showing results for tags 'Mental health'.
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News Article
One in 10 health workers in England had suicidal thoughts during pandemic
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
One in 10 health workers in England had suicidal thoughts during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to research that highlights the scale of its mental impact. The risk of infection or death, moral distress, staff shortages, burnout and the emotional toll of battling the biggest public health crisis in a century significantly affected the mental wellbeing of health workers worldwide. A study involving almost 20,000 responses to two surveys reveals the full extent of the mental health impact on workers at the height of the pandemic. Research led by the University of Bristol analysed results from two surveys undertaken at 18 NHS trusts across England. The first was carried out between April 2020 and January 2021 and completed by 12,514 workers. The second – covering October 2020 to August 2021 – was completed by 7,160. The first survey found that 10.8% of workers reported having suicidal thoughts in the preceding two months, while 2.1% attempted to take their own life in the same period. Some 11.3% of workers who did not report suicidal thoughts in the first survey reported them six months later, with 3.9% – about one in 25 – saying they had attempted to take their own life for the first time. Responses showed that a lack of confidence in raising safety concerns, feeling unsupported by managers, and having to provide a lower standard of care were among the factors contributing to staff distress. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 21 June 2023 -
Content ArticleThis report by the charity INQUEST, which provides expertise on state related deaths and their investigation to bereaved people, highlights that families are facing persistent challenges following the death of a loved one in mental health services. Based on conversations at one of INQUEST’s Family Consultation Days, the report shows that families face numerous hurdles during investigations and inquests into their loved ones’ deaths, and that processes are not delivering the change required. The Family Consultation Day heard from 14 family members who were bereaved by deaths in the care of mental health services or settings for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, and had faced or were going through inquests and investigations.
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News Article
More than 5,000 mental health patients sent over 62 miles for treatment
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
More than 5,000 mental health patients have been sent at least 62 miles from home for treatment in the two years since ministers pledged to banish the “dangerous” practice. The disclosure prompted calls for the “scandal” of out of area placements in mental health care to end, with claims that it represents “another broken government promise on the NHS”. Chronic shortages of mental health beds have for years forced the health service in England to send hundreds of patients a month to be admitted for care, sometimes a long way from their own area. Mental health campaigners, psychiatrists and patients’ families have argued that being far from home can make already vulnerable patients feel isolated, deprive them of regular visits from relatives, increase the risk of self-harm and reduce their chances of making a recovery. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 21 June 2023 -
News Article
Sharp rise in teenage girls with eating disorders during Covid
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
GP records show a sharp rise in teenage girls in the UK developing eating disorders and self-harming during the Covid pandemic, a study has found. The increases were greatest among girls living in the wealthiest areas, which could be due to better GP access. Young women have told the BBC that the lack of control over their lives during lockdown was a behavioural trigger. Eating disorders and self-harming have been rising among children and young people for a number of years but "increased substantially" between 2020 and 2022, the study found. Over that period, around 2,700 diagnoses of eating disorders were anticipated among 13-16-year-olds, but 3,862 were actually observed - 42% more than the expected figure. Dr Shruti Garg, from the University of Manchester - a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the study author - called it a "staggering rise" which highlighted an urgent need to improve early access to support. Read full story Source: BBC News, 21 June 2023 -
News Article
CQC in legal battle with private provider over ‘inadequate’ report
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
An independent patient transport provider is taking legal action against the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after an inspection led to it being unable to operate for nearly three months. The company, called Specialist Medical Transport (SMT), transports many mental health patients between hospitals, and is used by numerous NHS commissioners and trusts. Its “north” division, which is based in North Shields, North Tyneside, was unable to operate between the middle of January and the end of March, which it says has led to reputational damage and loss of revenue. The inspectors, who visited in response to concerns raised by a whistleblower, found issues with paperwork on employment, risk assessments, and use of restrictive practices, including of some patients effectively in a “cell”, or handcuffed, in an ambulance. The CQC was also critical of the lack of processes to ensure patients had medicines, food, drink and access to toilets during the journey. However, SMT successfully appealed the CQC’s notice of decision at a first tier tribunal, which found the regulator’s decision “was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate”. Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 19 June 2023 -
News Article
Antidepressants: Two million taking them for five years or more
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
More than a quarter of patients on antidepressants in England - about two million people - have been taking them for five years, the BBC has found. This is despite there being limited evidence of the benefits of taking the drugs for that length of time. A doctor who runs an NHS clinic helping people off the pills says withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for some to stop taking their medication. Withdrawal guidance was updated in 2019, but he says little has changed. More than eight million people in England are on antidepressants - which are prescribed for depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder and other conditions. That's one million more people than five years previously, NHS prescribing figures show. The investigation also uncovered evidence that a leading drug company attempted 27 years ago to conceal possible withdrawal effects that one drug could cause. Read full story Source: BBC News, 19 June 2023 -
Content ArticlePsychosocial support programs are a way for hospitals to support the mental health of their staff. However, while support is needed, utilization of support by hospital staff remains low. This study from van de Baan et al. aims to identify reasons for non-use and elements that are important to consider when offering psychosocial support.
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Content ArticleThe MindEd all-age eating disorders hub is aimed at all professionals, from universal to specialist. It contains key trusted evidence-based learning, curated and approved by an expert panel. The hub contains the following information:NHS policy guidanceProfessional bodies' guidanceProfessional associations' reportsCharitiesNHS learning and good practiceLegislation and reportsKey and influential textsUnder-served populations
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News ArticleMinisters have been accused of failing to grasp the “tidal wave” of mental ill health blighting children’s lives, after research found that only a quarter of English primaries will be able to offer vital school-based support by the end of next year. With almost one in five pupils aged 7 to 16 now thought to have a mental health disorder, specialist support teams were set up to work with children in schools, addressing early symptoms and reducing pressure on overstretched NHS services. According to new figures shared exclusively with the Guardian, however, pupils in almost three-quarters (73.4%) of primary schools in England will have had no access to the new mental health support teams (MHSTs) by the end of 2024. The research follows reports that a quarter of a million children in the UK with mental health problems have been denied help by the NHS, with some trusts failing to offer treatment to 60% of those referred by GPs. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 9 June 2023
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News Article
Met intervention ‘will not serve London well’, says ‘very disappointed’ NHSE
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
NHS England has described the Metropolitan Police commissioner’s warning that his force will stop responding to emergency mental health calls as ‘very disappointing’, HSJ has learned. Last month, Sir Mark Rowley told NHS and social care chiefs he had instructed his force to withdraw from health-related calls in the capital no later than 31 August – a warning which attracted high-profile media coverage. Sir Mark stressed the “urgency” of needing to implement a model that originated in Humberside called “right care right person”, where after a year of tense negotiations, police and health services reached an agreement under which many mental health calls are dealt with by health professionals rather than officers. NHSE’s letter says it agrees with the issues Sir Mark raises, adding it is inappropriate for police to spend significant amounts of time on mental health callouts. But it adds that the NHS was “very disappointed” to receive the commissioner’s letter, stressing that the problem is better solved in partnership than unilaterally declaring the force will not respond to calls. Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 8 June 2023 -
News ArticleMany media stories about ketamine as a treatment for psychiatric disorders such as depression “go well beyond the evidence base” by exaggerating the efficacy, safety and longevity of the drug or by overstating the risks, an analysis has found. Researchers examined 119 articles about ketamine and mental illness published by major print media in Australia, the US and UK over a five-year period. They found articles peaked in 2019, when the US Food and Drug Administration approved a ketamine-derived nasal spray known as esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Researchers found 37% of articles contained inaccurate information, largely related to efficacy, safety information and the longevity of the effect of the treatment. Ketamine treatment was portrayed in an “extremely positive light” in 69% of articles, the review found. “Overly optimistic statements from medical professionals regarding efficacy or safety may encourage patients to seek treatments that may not be clinically appropriate,” says the paper, published in the journal BJPsych Open. “Disconcertingly, some articles included strong statements about treatment efficacy that went well beyond the evidence base. Conversely, exaggeration of the risks may discourage patients from pursuing a treatment that may be suitable for them.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 8 June 2023
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Content ArticlePublic and patient expectations of treatment influence health behaviours and decision-making. This study aimed to understand how the media has portrayed the therapeutic use of ketamine in psychiatry. It found that ketamine treatment was portrayed in an extremely positive light, with significant contributions of positive testimony from key opinion leaders (e.g. clinicians). Positive research results and ketamine's rapid antidepressant effec were frequently emphasised, with little reference to longer-term safety and efficacy. The study concluded that information pertinent to patient help-seeking and treatment expectations is being communicated through the media and supported by key opinion leaders, although some quotes go well beyond the evidence base. Clinicians should be aware of this and may need to address their patients’ beliefs directly.
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News Article
Why the Met shouldn’t stop responding to mental health 999 calls
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Sir Mark Rowley, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has written to health leaders warning the force will stop sending officers to attend thousands of 999 calls about mental health incidents. The ban will only be waived if a threat to life is feared. The move by Scotland Yard follows the rollout of a similar policy by Humberside Police in 2020 called Right Care Right Person, which sees mental health professionals dealing with calls. An inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services in November found the switch had saved the force – which has mental health workers from the charity Mind in the force control room – 1,100 police hours per month. However, there is a concern that healthcare services cannot possibly set up an appropriate response that will keep vulnerable individuals safe within three months. Read full story Source: Independent, 31 May 2023 -
News Article
Paediatric wards may not be safe for patients with 'high-risk' behaviours
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Children presenting with 'high-risk' behaviours are being cared for in NHS paediatric wards that may put them and others at risk of harm, according to a new report from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB). HSIB's interim report warns that the placement of children and young people with complex mental health issues on NHS paediatric wards can impact on the wellbeing of these patients and their families, and pose a risk to other patients and staff. The report emphasises that paediatric wards are designed to care for patients who only have physical health needs and not for those who are exhibiting high-risk behaviours, which include attempts to die by suicide, self-harm, attempts to leave the hospital without permission, and episodes of violence and aggression. Examples of children and young people being restrained or sedated in front of other sick and vulnerable patients, families feeling concerned for their and their children's safety during incidents, rooms being stripped down to remove any risk of self-harm or death by suicide, and paediatric staff being physically assaulted are cited in the report. Saskia Fursland, HSIB national Investigator, said,"We know that NHS staff are trying to provide a safe environment for their patients, but they are facing difficult choices in wards that are not designed to support children and young people displaying high-risk behaviours. Our ongoing investigation will take a longer-term look at effective design, adaptations and risk management in the wards. A whole system response is now needed to ensure we can keep children and young people safe." Read full story Source: Medscape, 25 May 2023 -
News Article
Mental health services that fail to improve could be shut, says watchdog
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Failing mental health services that do not improve, whether run by private firms or the NHS, could be shut, a Care Quality Commission (CQC) chief has said. It follows the watchdog judging as "inadequate" three child wards at the Priory Group's biggest hospital. The wards at Cheadle Royal, near Manchester, "did not always provide safe care", the CQC found. The unannounced inspection of Cheadle Royal took place earlier this year "in response to concerns about safety". BBC News first reported in January three women had died at the hospital last year, although not in the wards inspected for this report. The CQC's new director of mental health services, Chris Dzikiti, said he was determined to drive up standards in all units and warned he will close services who fail to improve. Read full story Source: BBC News, 31 May 2023 -
News Article
‘Discrimination’ claim as ‘40 new hospitals’ snubs mental health
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A chief executive has compared a lack of investment into mental health estate to ‘institutionalised discrimination’, after no new schemes were accepted on to the ‘40 new hospitals’ programme. HSJ revealed that almost 50 capital projects from mental health trusts attempted to win one of the final places on the “new hospitals programme”, but all were taken by new acute schemes. Some of the trusts that submitted unsuccessful bids are using buildings which are more than 100 years old and were constructed without modern care practices in mind. Many of the bids raised safety concerns about the current estates. Joe Rafferty, chief executive of Mersey Care Foundation Trust, told HSJ: “If there’s been a priority order, mental health has been at the back of the queue. “It’s almost a sort of institutionalised discrimination in a way… there is a risk that the system itself is stigmatised or discriminated against mental health patients. Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 31 May 2023 -
Content ArticleIn this issue of HSJ's fortnightly briefing, Emily Townsend looks at why we are still not listening to patients and their families after harrowing reports of abuse and poor care at NHS mental health facilities surfaced last year.
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News Article
Outcry over 123 rejected ‘new hospital’ bids
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Multiple trusts have expressed disappointment at being overlooked in the government’s latest announcement on the ‘40 new hospitals’ programme. In 2021, ministers expanded the new hospitals programme by inviting bids for another eight projects to be funded nationally. However, last week they confirmed that just five new bids – all acute hospitals with unsafe roof plank structures – had been accepted. Multiple mental health trusts have also expressed frustration, after just one new mental health scheme has been included in the list of 40 “new” hospitals, although the government is counting three which were already in progress outside the programme. Joe Rafferty, chief executive of Mersey Care, has compared a lack of investment into mental health estate to “institutionalised discrimination”. Bradford District Care said it was “very disappointing” to find out its bid to replace “wholly unsuitable” wards designed in the 1950s had not been accepted, adding: “Still no parity for mental health in the total NHP funding allocation so far.” Read full story (paywalled) Source: HSJ, 31 May 2023 -
News ArticleThe decision last week by the Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, that in future his officers will attend emergency calls related to mental health only where a threat to life is feared, was both a wake-up call and a threat. His letter, and deadline of 31 August, have raised the stakes in negotiations with health bosses. The danger is that his combative approach will undermine attempts to find a solution to a problem that no one denies. In Humberside, a scheme called Right Care, Right Person resulted in 1,100 police officer hours a month being clawed back as health practitioners took over tasks that were previously done by them. The scheme attracted plaudits from the police inspectorate. This is the example that Sir Mark aims to follow as part of his plan to put his discredited force back on its feet. This is a sound idea. Humberside police has been judged the best force in the country, and successful innovations in public service should be copied. But the Met is a special case. At almost 20 times the size of Humberside’s service, with 43,000 officers, it is a huge organisation with responsibility for policing a growing city of almost 9 million people. Its relationships with local health and care services are far more complicated than in a smaller area. In London, there are five integrated care systems (partnership organisations that plan and deliver care). Given how overstretched these services already are, it is alarming to learn of the capital’s police chief announcing a unilateral withdrawal. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 29 May 2023
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Content ArticleAn infographic shared on LinkedIn by Kenny Gibson, Deputy Director for NHS Safeguarding, on spotting the red flag in colleagues.
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Content ArticleWith increasing concerns around the working conditions and psychological wellbeing of staff in the NHS, questions have been raised about how best to support staff wellbeing. Research is clear that wellbeing interventions that target the organisation and staff’s working environment work better than those which focus solely on supporting the individual person. Although it might seem simple to say: “we need to improve working conditions”, the challenge is whether this is possible and, if so, what this actually looks like in practice.
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News Article
Metropolitan Police: Move to attend fewer mental health calls sparks alarm
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
The Met Police's plan to stop attending emergency mental health incidents is "potentially alarming", a former inspector of constabulary has said. From September, officers will only attend mental health 999 calls where there is an "immediate threat to life". The Met argues the move will free up officers after a significant rise in the number of mental health incidents being dealt with by the force in the past five years. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley wrote to health and social care services in Greater London to inform them of the plan last week. In the letter, which has been seen by the BBC, Sir Mark said it takes almost 23 hours on average from the point at which someone is detained under the Mental Health Act until they are handed into medical care. He writes that his officers are spending more than 10,000 hours a month on "what is principally a health matter", adding that police and other social services are "collectively failing patients" by not ensuring they receive appropriate help, as well as failing Londoners more generally because of the effect on police resources. However Zoe Billingham, who is now chair of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS mental health trust after 12 years as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue, warned mental health services are "creaking" and "in some places are so subdued with demand they are not able to meet the requirements of people who need it most". Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she warned there is "simply no other agency to call" other than the police for people in crisis, adding: "There isn't another agency to step in and fill the vacuum." Read full story Source: BBC News, 29 May 2023 -
Content ArticleThis WHO report includes six case studies from 12 individuals with lived experience of diverse health conditions. These case studies explore the topics of power dynamics and power reorientation towards individuals with lived experience; informed decision-making and health literacy; community engagement across broader health networks and health systems; lived experience as evidence and expertise; exclusion and the importance of involving groups that are marginalized; and advocacy and human rights. It is the first publication in the WHO Intention to action series, which aims to enhance the limited evidence base on the impact of meaningful engagement and address the lack of standardized approaches on how to operationalise meaningful engagement. The Intention to action series aims to do this by providing a platform from which individuals with lived experience, and organisational and institutional champions, can share solutions, challenges and promising practices related to this cross-cutting agenda.
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Content ArticleWhat a subway killing reveals about New York City’s revolving-door approach to mental illness and homelessness.
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Content ArticleDespite steps towards closing the gap between mental and physical health services, many people still cannot access services and face long waits for treatment. Addressing workforce challenges in mental health services will be crucial to improving this situation. This report, commissioned and supported by NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network, takes stock of progress across the country in staffing the single largest profession within the mental health workforce: nurses.
