Community Mental Health Services Report

Healthwatch Bromley wanted to review the quality of care and identify areas for improvement, to enhance service delivery and meet the diverse needs of service users. They ran a survey to which 144 people responded.

Most service users reported a positive experience with community mental health services, but several challenges were identified, including delayed care, misdiagnosis, and inconsistent quality of treatment. Concerns were also raised about poor communication between staff, which impacts the user experience negatively. 

Mobility and transport barriers, including the financial burden of travel, were highlighted as major obstacles for patients accessing care. Systemic issues such as the mishandling of patient data, where confidential documents were sometimes sent to incorrect addresses, were identified. There was also reluctance among some service users to take their medication due to a lack of support and scepticism about the medication's efficacy. These factors contribute to gaps in care and unmet needs within the community mental health system.

 To address these challenges, several recommendations have been made. Improving transport options and enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities or language barriers are critical steps to ensure equitable access to care and support. Strategies to improve medication adherence should include comprehensive education and support; clear, accurate information; addressing any access barriers and exploring alternative treatment options tailored to individual needs. Better service coordination and improved follow-up processes are needed to achieve seamless continuity of care. Ongoing evaluation should be conducted to address disparities in service delivery, ensuring all individuals receive timely, effective, and compassionate support. Prioritising regular contact, supportive interactions, and access to various therapies can further contribute to meeting the diverse needs of individuals seeking mental health support. Addressing issues such as long waiting lists and overlooked physical health concerns will enhance overall satisfaction and the effectiveness of mental health services. Finally, implementing more personalised and effective interventions tailored to individual needs will improve outcomes and user satisfaction. The findings and recommendations in this report provide a road map for improving community mental health services in Bromley, enabling all individuals to receive the support they need.