Thousands face long waits for mental health treatment in Nottinghamshire

The findings come as a leading staff body for the profession says it is "unacceptable" so many are suffering delays for vital treatment across England.

The NHS’ talking therapy service treats patients for common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.

In the year to November 2022, around 18,810 patients received a second treatment in the former NHS Nottinghamshire clinical commissioning group area, but 2,175, 11.6 per cent, had to wait more than 90 days from their first one.

However, this was a fall from 12 per cent in the year to November 2019.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists, a staff body, said delaying treatment could “put patients’ wellbeing at risk”.

Dr Adrian James, RCP president, said: “Some patients’ mental health may deteriorate if left untreated, which can have a detrimental impact on their quality of life and have potentially life-altering consequences.

“There is also a danger that long waiting lists will undermine people’s faith in mental health services and discourage them from seeking the support they need.”

Across England patients are facing lengthy waits for mental health treatment.

The figures show 154,000 people, 22.5 per cent, were waiting more than three months between their first and second treatment in the year to November 2022, up from 120,000, 19.2 per cent, over the same period in 2018-19.

Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation charity, said these statistics should come as “no surprise”, given the “huge pressures” mental health services are facing.

He urged the Government to prioritise preventative approaches – focused on tackling mental health problems before professional help is needed.

Standards set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence state 75 per cent of patients should get a first treatment within six weeks.

The figures show services in the former NHS Nottinghamshire CCG area were meeting that target in the year to November, with 84.8 per cent of 27,780 patients receiving treatment within six weeks.

As of November, about 2,015 people were waiting for a first treatment in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, down from 2,535 in November 2019.

An NHS England spokesman said: “The NHS is committed to increasing support for patients through its world-leading talking therapy services. In November, there were 60,000 more appointments completed compared with October.

“The NHS is also increasing the number of trainee places for more people to join the workforce, so if you are struggling with your mental health, you can either refer yourself to your local NHS talking therapies service online or contact your GP.”

Maxine Bunn, NHS Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board system delivery director for mental health and children, said: "Talking therapies are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited practitioners. They can help with mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression. Anyone can access talking therapies for free on the NHS.

“Waiting times can vary month to month, depending on the number of referrals received and what type of therapy is required. We are working with local providers to ensure people can access these services as quickly as possible. In the meantime, all patients are offered access to online resources and wellbeing checks while they wait for their second appointment.”