RCN comments on Mind research

Published: 28 November 2012

Under embargo 00:01 Wednesday 28 November 2012

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on new research by the charity Mind which has identified failings and cutbacks in crisis teams.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:

"These results are shocking, and show serious failings in the care which is offered to people at times when they are extremely vulnerable. Sadly we are not surprised, as our members have told us about the unacceptable squeeze on staffing levels across the board. Crisis teams are an emergency service, and like all such services it is irresponsible and short-sighted to cut them back to the bare bones. If more than four in ten mental health trusts in England are unable to maintain the staffing levels which the Department of Health recommends, then it is hardly surprising that the people who rely on these services feel badly let down.

“Waiting longer for crisis care, being assessed too slowly or in some cases not at all, are all situations with profound consequences for the individual concerned and their loved ones. Huge progress has been made in improving physical health, particularly responding to emergencies, and it is time mental health was treated with the same level of urgency. Like Mind, we are finding that there is an increasing gap between the rhetoric of protecting NHS services and the reality on the ground, and we would urge Trusts to maintain investment in these vital services."

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations