BPS Issues Response to CQC's State of Care Report

Responding to the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) 'State of care' report, President of the British Psychological Society Dr Roman Raczka said: 

"It is deeply concerning to read of the current unmet needs of children and young people's mental health in CQC's latest report.  We know that children's early years can determine their health for the rest of their lives, and that prevention is always better than cure. This report highlights the pressing need to provide timely care for children and young people. However, this will only be possible with significant investment into the workforce to help tackle waiting lists and delays to accessing treatment and support. 

"Everyone deserves access to care and support from the health service, however this report highlights the growing health inequalities experienced by some of the most vulnerable in the country – including people from black and ethnic minority communities and people with learning disabilities and autism.

"It is clear there is much work to do to ensure all our children have access to the care they need and the opportunity to thrive. The government must now act with targeted investment into the workforce and the implementation of new waiting time standards for access to services."

Key findings include: 

• Demand for adult mental health services continues to grow, and even more so for children and young people, with ever increasing numbers seeking care and support for their mental health.
• Access to mental health services remains a challenge for many people. Research from the Strategy Unit shows that people who live in deprived areas, women, and people from 'other' ethnic minority groups with mental health needs are more likely to attend urgent and emergency care departments.
• CQC's regulatory activity, including the special review of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has found evidence of people having to wait several months – and in some cases several years – for treatment in the community.
• While the mental health workforce has grown, problems with staffing and skill mix remain. Across the country, services are facing challenges in recruiting staff – all of which are having an impact on capacity, and the availability and regularity of appointments.
• The safety of mental health wards continues to cause concern. Lack of resources, ageing estates and poorly designed facilities can lead to issues around privacy and dignity for patients, as well as compromising the safety of both patients and staff.
• High demand for services and ongoing pressure in all parts of the system mean that many people, including children, are not getting the care they need when they need it. This is leading to a deterioration in people's health conditions, which then need more intensive support and treatment, and results in longer stays in hospital.

The full report can be downloaded from the CQC's Website.