Fears Over Long Distance Care For Mentally Ill

Experts have warned of the dangers of sending mentally ill people long distances to receive treatment because of problems finding suitable services closer to their homes.

Thousands of people in England are "travelling unacceptably long distances for acute admissions" each year, according to a report produced by an independent commission supported by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

"Out of area treatments cause problems for patients and for their families and carers," the report said.

"Geographical separation from a patient's support networks can leave them feeling isolated and delay recovery.

"Moreover, mental health personnel from the patients' home area have difficulties in visiting them with the result that they may well spend longer as inpatients than they would have done if admitted locally."

Around 500 mentally ill people every month are estimated to travel over 30 miles to be admitted to hospitals far from their own homes.

The commission wants a new four-hour wait target to be introduced for admission or acceptance for home-based treatment following assessment for acute mental illness.

Commission leader Lord Nigel Crisp said: "It is time to end the difference in standards between mental and physical illnesses.

"People with severe mental illnesses need to be able to find care just as quickly as people suffering from physical illnesses - and they shouldn't have to travel long distances to do so."

Brian Dow, director of external affairs at Rethink Mental Illness, said: "If you have a physical health emergency you expect to be treated quickly, not sent miles from home.

"So why is this acceptable if you have a mental health emergency? Mental health remains a neglected service.

"The Government has promised to invest £600m during this Parliament which is incredibly welcome.

"But to put that into context, almost £600m was cut from mental health services in the last Parliament, so essentially it's filling up what was previously drained out."

Mental health minister Alistair Burt said: "Last year, I asked NHS England to reduce unnecessary out of area treatments, and eliminate their inappropriate use.

"We agree that there should be standards for what people can expect from mental health treatment, and when."