Breaking Point
Download (PDF 781.97 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch York wanted to understand the views and experiences of mental health crisis care from staff, patients and carers. They conducted 29 interviews, held five workshops and spoke to 87 people in total.
The local provider of mental health services has faced major problems with some of its services, particularly in Middlesbrough. The people Healthwatch York talked to for this research said it is hard, sometimes impossible, to access help when it is most needed. Some of the problems stem from under-funding, but others appear to be cultural - poor training, poor communications, poor attitudes.
Despite their own negative experiences many participants recognised that there is a system issue rather than an issue with individual staff members. It's important to recognise that staff members are under significant pressure and require more support and training to provide the best possible care for those in crisis.
The report contains six recommendations to improve mental health crisis services.