Association of Mental Health Providers

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Response to CQC Report on MH Rehabilitation Services and OAPs

Responding to the new CQC report looking at mental health rehabilitation inpatient services, which has found that people in rehabilitation services for serious mental health conditions are more likely to be placed ‘out of area’ and far from their home, Kathy Roberts, Chief Executive of Association of Mental Health Providers, commented:

Frankly, the CQC briefing published today reveals nothing of surprise. With nearly two thirds (63%) of placements in residential-based mental health rehabilitation services being ‘out of area’, people are receiving treatment further from where they live, their support system of family and friends, and from the local services [including the voluntary and community sector] that will provide them with the necessary longterm care once they have been discharged. Not only do out-of-area placements prohibit the recovery and the general mental health and wellbeing of those with mental health needs, but the placements are also very costly. 

As the leading representative body for VCSE mental health service providers, we know that this sector has been working with Clinical Commissioning Groups, as well as other bodies, to find local solutions to these issues. We also know that the VCSE has developed some good services in local communities and are able to provide the support and care in collaboration with Local Authorities and the NHS, but it is important to look at further development options with the voluntary and community sector and to look at the barriers and solutions to commissioning these services.

Association of Mental Health Providers has been working with NHS England to address the challenges of this issue and will continue to work with them to provide solutions to out-of-area placements.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact Dania Hanif, Policy and Communications Lead, on dania@amhp.org.uk or call 020 7766 7496.

Notes

[1] “Mental health rehabilitation inpatient services”, Care Quality Commission, March 2018