One in 10 mental health patients waiting over 24 hours in A&E is a crisis we should never accept. The latest NHS England data* shows people reaching out at their most vulnerable, only to be left waiting.
Mental health patients may be a small proportion of attendances, but they often face longer waits than patients with physical health needs, many with co-occurring physical issues, making their care complex. Rising demand, limited specialist beds, and stretched inpatient services mean A&E teams are left managing pressures that reflect wider system failings.
To address this, mental health support must be organised to better meet people’s needs in the community. Housing, finances, relationships, and social connections all play a huge role in wellbeing. We need a workforce that understands these influences and can offer both clinical care and social support, working through neighbourhood-based services to prevent crises before they reach emergency care.
Mental health social workers are a crucial part of this solution. They provide early intervention, support people closer to home, and are essential to addressing the social determinants that affect mental wellbeing. Including them in the upcoming workforce plan is vital to building a system that helps people when and where they need it most.