THE number of mental health patients spending Christmas in hospital more than 60 miles from home has doubled in three years, figures suggest.
Experts say more families than ever will be forced to travel vast distances to see loved ones this month because of a shortage of specialist beds nearby.
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The stress and worry of being placed “out of area” could hinder recovery, as could the absence of emotional support if relatives are unable to visit.
Those leaving hospital in December having spent 31 nights or more outside their region is expected to treble over the same period, 2016 to 2019.
Health policy consultancy Incisive Health analysed NHS Digital figures from 2016, 2017 and 2018 and used them to forecast rates for this December.
They estimate 329 patients in England will be in beds 62 miles or more from friends and family over the festive period – up from 166 in 2016.
And it is predicted that 51 of these could spend Christmas 186 miles or more from home – the distance from London to Leeds and an 8 hour round trip.
‘Inappropriate’
Health bosses say about nine in ten out of area placements are inappropriate.
The number of patients having to stay in an out of area bed for 31 days or more rose from 75 in 2016 to 180 in 2018 and a projected 223 this December.
In all, 1,351 people are expected to be placed out of area this month.
The previous Government set a national ambition to eliminate inappropriate out of area placements for adults in acute inpatient care by 2020/21.
On mental health more broadly, the Conservative general election manifesto promised to pass legislation to give patients “greater control over their treatment” and “the dignity and respect they deserve”.
Unprecedented
Thomas Stephens, from Incisive Health, said: “For three Christmases in a row, bed shortages and staffing pressures have seen a steady rise in out-of-area placements.
“If current trends continue, this Christmas will be the worst on record, with unprecedented numbers placed in inpatient units hundreds of kilometres away from their loved ones.
If current trends continue, this Christmas will be the worst on record
Thomas Stephens
“These figures are a stark reminder of the strain that the NHS’s mental health services are under – and the impact this is having on patients and their families.
“During the General Election, all the main political parties made bold pledges on mental health, backed up by investment plans for hospital NHS infrastructure and beds.
“Addressing out-of-area placements and avoiding repetition of previous winters will be a key test for the new Government.”
The Department of Health said: “It is completely unacceptable for patients to be sent away from their family and friends for treatment.
“We are transforming mental health services with a planned record spend of £12.1billion this year.
“The Long Term Plan will further expand mental health services, with an additional £2.3billion every year in real terms by 2023/24.”
