23-07-2025
New data lifts lid on agonising wait for mental health treatment
Nearly 1.7 million patients are currently awaiting community mental health care in the UK, with 48,000 people facing delays exceeding two years for treatment to commence.
This figure, which rose from 1.3 million in March 2024, is in addition to the 7.4 million people on the NHS physical health waiting list.
Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, warned that mental health care is being rationed and downgraded, not prioritised by the government.
The government's recently launched 10-year NHS plan recommits to expanding mental health teams and specialist A&Es but lacks specific commitments to reduce existing waiting lists.
The lack of sufficient community care is forcing more patients into A&E, as highlighted by the NHS's director for mental health and a mother whose autistic daughter was hospitalised due to lack of community support.
