Charity calls for investment in mental health services following annual CQC report

The Care Quality Commission has published its annual report on the state of care within health and social care services for 2023/24.

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said:

“People experiencing mental illness continue to be failed by lengthy waits for treatment and unsafe care, and we must be clear that there won’t be fundamental change unless mental health services receive the investment to meet rising demand. Particularly concerning are the eye-watering waits of months and even years for community mental health services, which often push people into crisis and contact with emergency services. Also troubling are the challenges children and young people face in accessing care, which risk failing a generation. Hardworking staff can only do so much with such scant resources, and the low morale that causes people to turn away from a career in the NHS only fuels pre-existing workforce issues. This must be recognised in next week's budget.

“With sufficient political will and action we can build a mental health system that provides safe, timely care, not only helping people recover in the most appropriate and effective way for them, but also preventing people from becoming so severely unwell in the first place. There are pockets of good practice around the country which can be drawn on for inspiration. Ultimately, proper investment in mental health services will have far-reaching benefits in ensuring a healthier nation.”