Key contribution made by NHS mental health trusts praised

A report by NHS Providers has highlighted the key contribution made by NHS mental health trusts in confronting the coronavirus pandemic.

The report, Spotlight on… the impact of Covid-19 on mental health trusts in the NHS, emphasises the critical role NHS mental health trusts have played in maintaining and adapting mental health services while supporting colleagues in the acute hospital, community, ambulance and primary care sectors.

This includes adapting their wards to look after those recovering from the virus, establishing mental health A&Es and 24/7 emergency service access lines, as well as developing home treatment models and clinical services online.

NHS Providers also highlights the changes in demand for mental health services during the pandemic, including increased numbers of people needing urgent and emergency care. It points to concerns that many who need help and support are not accessing services until they reach a crisis point, and warns of pent up demand that has built up during the lockdown.

The report says the government and national policy makers must take account of the pressures mental health services will face in the weeks and months ahead. In particular it points to the need for: PPE and testing; support to prioritise and plan services effectively; full and prompt funding for frontline services that need to expand to meet the extra need created by the pandemic; and a new workable strategic national plan for the workforce, given that the pandemic has exacerbated existing severe shortages.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said: "The way that mental health trusts have adapted and innovated to maintain services and support the response to Covid-19 is nothing short of remarkable. The achievements are all the greater given that until recently the sector had been neglected and under-prioritised over many years.

"However, trusts need support now to navigate the next stage of the pandemic and meet the pressures their services will continue to face in the weeks and months ahead, given the predicted surge in demand for mental health care as lockdown eases. This includes adequately prioritising their needs for PPE, testing, and investment in their estate, and fully and promptly funding the required expansion of services, on a sustainable basis, to meet the extra need created by the pandemic.

"Despite substantial progress, with new services and higher levels of investment, we know there was a significant care deficit in mental health before this pandemic. Without urgent action, the impact of Covid-19 will make that much worse. We can and must not let that happen."