‘Crisis’ fears for mental health patients after delays

14 March 2018

Delays in treating mental health patients could leave them in “crisis”, a charity has warned.

Mind Cymru raised concerns after figures revealed targets had been missed by Cardiff and the Vale Health Board.

Patients referred for treatment should be assessed within 28 days, but one in 10 waited longer.

The health board was unavailable for comment.

Nearly 3,000 people were referred to mental health services in Cardiff between October and December 2017.

Welsh Government data showed one in 10 of these had not been assessed after one month.

It also revealed one in 10 of those receiving mental health treatment did not have a structured plan to meet their needs, which every patient should have.

“It’s very disappointing,” said Lucy Lloyd of Mind Cymru.

“We know that a delay in being assessed and being referred can escalate people’s mental health, which can increase their symptoms and even lead them into crisis, which is a really terrible experience.”

 

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