Poor availability of local beds for mental health patients

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has found that patients with acute mental health needs continue to be sent miles away from home because there isn’t a bed available locally.

From October-December 2021, the number of inappropriate Out of Area Placements (OAP) days was 58,735. There were 660 active inappropriate out of area placements at the end of December. Nearly 80 per cent of inappropriate placements that ended in December lasted for 15 or more nights while 44 per cent for 31 or more nights.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists says that the practice cost the NHS £120 million last year and can harm patients by increasing their distress, separating them from their family and slowing their recovery.

The government promised to end adult mental health inappropriate out of area placements by the end of 2020/21 but progress on reducing the total number of bed days spent out of area has stalled.

Out of Area Placements are often the result of a relatively small number of mental health trusts remaining responsible for a significant proportion of inappropriate out of area placements, meaning they consistently lack the capacity to meet local demand. Additionally, over the last 30 years, the total number of inpatient mental health beds has fallen by over 70 per cent, as the focus shifted towards offering mental health care in the community.

Dr Trudi Seneviratne, Registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "Sending mental health patients hundreds of miles away from home, because there isn't the right bed available locally is completely unacceptable. It can have a devastating impact on patients and their loved ones. Treating patients close to home speeds up recovery, reduces the risk of suicide and shortens hospital stays.

"Out of area placements are not only devastating for patients, but are also costly for the health service, which spent £120.653 million on inappropriate out of area placements last year. Despite some areas of progress, it is extremely disappointing that the promise to eliminate the shameful practice of inappropriate out of area placements in mental health by March 2021 has been broken. We need urgent action to ensure that local mental health beds are readily available for all patients that need them. In some areas that are really struggling, this will mean funding for additional beds that are properly staffed.

"To reduce overall pressure on beds the government must also continue the welcome investment and development of community mental health services so that people can get the right support earlier on, reducing the likelihood of reaching crisis point."