Unsafe discharge putting mental health patients at risk, ombudsman warns
The unsafe transfer of mental health patients from hospital care back into the community is putting them at risk of readmission and suicide, the health ombudsman has warned.
It also identified failings around planning and communication when patients are discharged, and has urged the Government to strengthen the Mental Health Act.
The report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) analysed more than 100 complaints between 2020 and 2023 where it had identified failings in mental health care.
The stories in our report show the human tragedies that happen when mistakes are made
Rob Behrens, Ombudsman
Some issues included patient’s families not being told about their discharge
