Accessibility links
Skip to contentAccessibility HelpSign in
BBC navigation
NewsSportMoreSearch the BBC
News navigation
HomeVideoWorldUKBusinessTechScienceMagazineMoresectionsHealth
Mental health crisis care 'inadequate'
By Nick TriggleHealth correspondent4 hours ago From the sectionHealthMedia captionJenny Cole describes two occasions she felt let down when in need of crisis carePeople who need urgent mental health care in England are receiving inadequate support, regulators say.The Care Quality Commission reviewed the help given to people in mental health crisis, which includes people who are suicidal, having serious panic attacks or psychotic episodes.The regulator said the system was "struggling to cope".Its report also highlighted what it described as a "lack of compassion" from A&E staff.The CQC carried out its investigation following the signing of a Crisis Care Concordat between the government and the sector last year which promised round-the-clock support to those who needed it.This includes help from dedicated mental health staff, intensive support at home or telephone advice.
'Wake-up call'
But the review - based on surveys of patients, analysis of national data and inspections of services - found that 42% of patients did not get the help they needed.Patients were also asked about the attitudes of staff towards them. Staff working for charities and volunteers received the most positive ratings, while staff in A&E received the worst.Just over a third of patients who ended up in A&E thought they had been treated with compassion and warmth and a similar proportion said their concerns had been taken seriously.The dedicated crisis-resolution teams that are there to help those in trouble did little better with fewer than half answering positively to each question.The report also highlighted the experiences of a number of patients. One said: "It was approximately seven hours before I got crisis support and that was only a call not a visit, which would have been more useful. As my crisis worsened, I took a small overdose as I was not coping or getting any immediate help."Dr Paul Lelliott, the CQC's mental health lead, said while there were some excellent examples of care, the findings must "act as a wake-up call"."Worryingly many people told us that when they were having a crisis they often felt the police and ambulance crews were more caring and took their concerns more seriously than the medical and mental health professionals they encountered."Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, the mental health charity, said: "The report will not come as a surprise to anyone who has found themselves in crisis or who is involved in supporting people when they are at their most unwell."We take for granted that when we have a physical health emergency we will get the help we need urgently. It should be no different for mental health."Care Minister Alistair Burt said the government was trying to tackle the problems in mental health with its new treatment targets and extra funding that were both announced before the election."Improving mental health care is my priority," he added.Last year 1.8m people sought help for a mental health crisis.
Share this story About sharing
EmailFacebookTwitterLinkedin
More on this story
Mental health care in England to get funding boost - Clegg14 March 2015Children's mental health services 'cut by £50m'9 January 2015Nick Clegg urges Lib Dems to 'hold heads high'8 October 2014Clegg: Mental health research 'needs boost'7 August 2014New strategy to cut suicides 'achievable', says Clegg19 January 2015
Related Internet links
NHS EnglandChild & Adolescent Mental Health - YoungMindsThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites
Health
Penis recipient 'to become father'
11 June 2015 From the sectionAfricaFull article Penis recipient 'to become father'
Juvenile camels 'key source' of Mers
3 hours agoFrom the sectionScience & EnvironmentFull article Juvenile camels 'key source' of Mers
Nuts 'protect against early death'
11 June 2015 From the sectionHealthFull article Nuts 'protect against early death' More Videos from the BBCThe prototype bike that hopes to flySugar-daddy: 'I pay my sugar baby £2000 a month'Charles Kennedy died of a 'haemorrhage' linked to alcoholismRonan Hughes: Funeral held for Coalisland schoolboy who 'took own life after online trick'Is Russia at risk of a 'brain drain'?Elton John rants at concert stewardRecommended by Outbrain Elsewhere on BBCMalaysia official blames nude tourists for deadly quakeBBC NewsSex worker film banned - but widely availableBBC NewsSir Tim Hunt 'sorry' over 'trouble with girls' commentsBBC NewsRecommended by Outbrain The seaside: A modern inventionBBC CultureWant to look smart? Don’t say thisBBC CapitalThe true cost of adult filmBBC Culture
Top Stories
US 'spends $9m a day' fighting ISThe US spends $9m a day on the war against Islamic State and the cost of the bombing campaign in total is more than $2.7bn, says Pentagon.2 hours agoNew probe into Germanwings crash6 hours agoPakistan orders out children's NGO3 hours ago
Features & Analysis
Kept alive
How two men survived a prison where 12,000 were killed
Copa corrupt
Is Fifa's Copa America is at the heart of even more bribery? VIDEO 3:34
210 fights, 9 wins
In the ring with a journeyman boxer
Nuclear option
Hungary challenged on Russian reactor deal
'Distractingly sexy'
Female scientists respond to 'girl trouble' comments
Five-minute snapshot
The man who can see a city and immediately draw it
News quiz
What caused Kate Moss to fly into trouble?
Mask selfies and more
How South Korea is handling the Mers virus fallout
Salmon farming in Norway
Can farmed fish meet the world's appetite for seafood?
Most Popularpopular
ReadselectedWatched
Most read
1Female scientists post 'distractingly sexy' photos2US 'spends $9m a day' fighting IS3Pakistan orders out children's NGO4How two men survived a prison where 12,000 died5New probe into Germanwings crash6Pressure on Greece as IMF ends talks7Penis recipient 'to become father'8Why did Twitter boss stand down?9Qataris reel at global 'witch hunt'10China belly button challenge trends From Around the WebWestern Medicine Looks to Shamanism for Mental Health Treatments(OZY)Everything You Need To Know About The Clothing Company Trying To End Mental Illness Stigmas(MTV)The Brain Implants Are Coming!(OZY)12 Mistakes You Are Definitely Going To Make This Summer(MTV)IPCC will not investigate police over Orgreave(BBC News - News)First penile transplant recipient 'to become father'(BBC News - News)Promoted content by Outbrain
Ads by Google
Lower Your Blood Pressure
Free Video Reveals The Top 8 Ways To Lower Your High Blood Pressurewww.doctorshealthpress.com
High Return Inv -Tanzania
£50k-£1m To Invest? Free Review To Get You The Best Offshore Rates!expatsavingsreview.com
Expat? £70K+ UK Pension?
Avoid Losing 55% Of Your UK Pension Download a Free Expat Pension Guideyour.expatpensionreview.com
BBC News Services
On your mobileOn your connected TVGet news alertsContact BBC News
Explore the BBC
NewsSportWeatherShopEarthTravelCapitalCultureAutosFutureTVRadioCBBCCBeebiesWW1FoodiWonderBitesizeMusicNatureLocalTerms of UseAbout the BBCPrivacy PolicyCookiesAccessibility HelpParental GuidanceContact the BBCCopyright © 2015 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
