The BBC has recently reported that the number of unexpected patient deaths reported by England’s mental health trusts has risen by almost 50% in three years.
The figures are based upon findings from half of mental health trusts. Thirty-three out of the fifty-five mental health trusts responded to the Panorama Freedom of Information request. Suicide, neglect and misadventure fall within the remit of unexpected death. In an attempt to explain the increase The Department of Health said that the increase was expected because of changes to the way deaths are recorded.
The Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said there was “a huge amount to do to improve mental health care” but that more money had been made available, and more patients were being seen.
Such a drastic increase will no doubt worry the majority of patients and their families. It is reported that mental health trusts in England have had their funding cut by £150m over the past four years, compared with a rise in national spending on health of £8bn. This lack of funding has caused severe strain on already stretched services, which will have an impact on the quality of care.
If you, or a loved one, have been affected by a mental health death please contact Lime’s Medical Negligence Lawyers for guidance. Our mental health negligence lawyers can be contacted on Freephone: 0808 164 0808. Alternatively, please complete the request a call back form and we will call you.
