Spending on hospital mental health services increases faster than on community care

Spending on hospital-based mental health services has increased faster than on community services despite the government’s aim to move to more community care.

A report published today by think-tank Reform found spending on inpatient, outpatient and day patients services had increased by 37 per cent, or £1.1bn, to £4.1bn from 1999-2000 to 2003-4.

But spending on community mental health services increased by only 31 per cent, or £400m, to £1.7bn in the same period.

The study found the number of short hospital stays had decreased but the number of patients who stayed for more than a year almost doubled from 1999-2000 to 2003-4.

It said the hospital treatment programme had developed as a “custodial model” rather than a health one.

The report suggested developing a mixed economy of care in cognitive behavioural therapy and the introduction of direct payments for people needing therapy in the community.

Related articles
Fewer users offered talking therapies

Mental health care for black communities discriminates says minister

www.communitycare.co.uk/mentalhealth