It’s good to see mental health facilities are finally on the Government’s radar
2 min read
Mental health facilities have been ignored in previous announcements around hospital building funding, so it’s good to see this is finally on the Government’s radar.
Geoff Heyes, Head of Health Policy and Influencing at Mind, the mental health charity, said: “We welcome this announcement and look forward to more detail on what exactly it will mean for mental health wards. Mental health facilities have been ignored in previous announcements around hospital building funding, so it’s good to see this is finally on the Government’s radar.
“Many mental health facilities are well below standard. Some are actively unsafe, making it possible for people to take their own lives, while single-sex accommodation – critical for minimising sexual safety risks – is not available in all areas. In addition to basic safety, we need wards to be therapeutic environments that aid recovery and provide a calming setting for people who are confused and frightened. We can’t expect people with mental health problems to spend time in neglected, dangerous infrastructure, or NHS mental health staff to work in these conditions.
“Mind has today launched Five Key Tests for the UK Government, setting out our recommendations for recovery from the coronavirus mental health crisis. We will see an increase in mental health problems and more people needing time in hospital and other mental health settings over the coming months. Now more than ever NHS buildings need investment to make sure the best possible support is available to people when they need it.”
