Mental Health Voice: Medway and Swale

Healthwatch Kent and Medway Voice reviewed 152 pieces of feedback about mental health services in Medway and Swale between January and March 2026. Overall, the most positive feedback related to the care and compassion shown by staff, with people particularly praising Mental Health Together and liaison psychiatry services for providing supportive, helpful and understanding care during difficult periods. 

A key finding was that discharge had become a significant area of concern. Negative feedback about discharge increased compared with previous periods and was often linked to poor continuity of care, inadequate planning and lack of communication between inpatient and community services. Some people reported being discharged too early or without appropriate support in place, while others described gaps between services that left them vulnerable after leaving hospital. 

Communication was a recurring issue. People described not always being informed about discharge plans, next steps or available support, and some felt services did not work together effectively when transferring care. Feedback suggested that poor communication often contributed directly to negative discharge experiences and, in some cases, led to deterioration in mental health or readmission to services. 

The report concludes that safe and effective discharge relies on good communication, coordinated planning and strong links between inpatient, community and voluntary sector services. It encourages organisations to consider how continuity of care can be improved and how people can be better supported when leaving mental health services to reduce the risk of crisis, relapse or readmission.