Responding to Mind’s survey of NHS mental health professionals, RCN Head of Nursing Practice, Stephen Jones, said: 

“This survey is yet more evidence of a system failing patients on a scale that is truly staggering. Mental health nursing teams strain every sinew to give the best care for patients, but they are severely under-resourced and simply cannot come close to meeting rising demand for services.  

“The consequence of this is people struggling with mental illness dealing with their condition alone. This is morally unacceptable but also has profound implications for the system, as a lack of early intervention can result in greater mental health crises down the line and damaging long waits in unsuitable emergency departments. 

“The recent announcement on new mental health A+Es and community mental health centres is an encouraging step towards people with mental health difficulties being seen without delay. But the scheme cannot succeed without investment in the specialist mental health nursing workforce, who provide the person-centred care patients require.” 

ENDS