Mental Health Voice: East Kent

Healthwatch Kent and Medway Voice reviewed 55 pieces of feedback about mental health services in East Kent between January and March 2026. While some people reported positive experiences with services such as Mental Health Together and crisis care, the review found that communication and discharge had become increasingly significant concerns. Feedback suggested that people often felt supported when receiving care but experienced difficulties when moving between services or being discharged. 

Communication between staff and patients generated a higher proportion of negative feedback in East Kent than elsewhere in Kent and Medway. People described not being kept informed about referrals, treatment plans or next steps in their care. Several reported uncertainty about whether support was continuing and a lack of contact from services after assessments or periods of treatment.

Discharge emerged as a key issue during the quarter. Feedback included examples of people being discharged without their knowledge, without clear explanations or before they felt appropriate support had been arranged. Some individuals reported being left unsure about what services they were being referred to next, while others felt discharged despite ongoing mental health difficulties. Healthwatch found that concerns about discharge often overlapped with concerns about poor communication. 

The report concludes that organisations should examine why communication and discharge were generating increasing levels of negative feedback. It highlights the importance of keeping people informed throughout their care, ensuring discharge decisions are clearly communicated, and making sure support and referrals are in place before people leave mental health services.