Heather Carey
12 Feb 2019 · Coroner Andrew Bridgman · Manchester (South)
This report repeats 2 earlier warnings, and was raised again 2 times later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. long wait for psychotherapy after discharge
“The inquest identified a number of issues which likely contributed to [the deceased]'s decision to end her life. One of those issues related to the long wait following discharge before psychotherapy would begin.”
2. excessive waiting time for psychotherapy
“A target waiting list of 18 weeks is far too long but | was told that this was a funding issue.”
3. inadequate waiting time reduction for mental health crises
“Unless adequate and sufficient measures are taken to significantly reduce waiting times for acute mental ill-health, comparable to physical life threatening illnesses, NOT simply a redistribution of existing resources, more patients with mental health issues will end their lives while on a waiting list for treatment.”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
Earlier report
“The ten month waiting times for psychotherapy effectively means that this is not a viable alternative to anti-depressant medication”
This report
“A target waiting list of 18 weeks is far too long but | was told that this was a funding issue.”
Closely relatedConfidence 0.80 · moderate
Earlier report
“The Inquest heard that the target time for an appointment for CBT should be 6 weeks. At the time Mr [name redacted] was referred, the waiting time was 12 months.”
This report
“A target waiting list of 18 weeks is far too long but | was told that this was a funding issue.”
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“A target waiting list of 18 weeks is far too long but | was told that this was a funding issue.”
Later report
“he was worried about how long it would take him to be able to access appropriate mental health services and receive support.”
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“A target waiting list of 18 weeks is far too long but | was told that this was a funding issue.”
Later report
“The inquest heard evidence that the backlogs for therapy were such that the waiting list at the time she was assessed as being appropriate for step 4 therapy had a two year wait time.”
Responses
2019-0046-Response-from-Department-of-Health-and-Social-Care.pdf ↗· Department of Health and Social Care
Stated action · 2019-20
“the CCG is working with the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust to agree a Performance and Outcome Framework for 2019-20 to ensure activity, waiting times and outcomes are reported and monitored.”
2019-0046-Response-from-Tameside-Metropolitan-Borough.pdf ↗· Department of Health and Social Care
Stated action
“The CCG is formally monitoring the impact of this investment through regular Safer Staffing Reports presented to the Pennine Care Quality Group. Reports from staff on the Tameside wards and the latest CQC report indicate that this is having a positive impact.”
Stated action · 31 July 2019
“The reviewing team are using this information alongside an exploration of alternative models of care to develop a new model of psychological therapy for people with complex mental health needs in Tameside and Glossop. This review will conclude by the 31 of July 2019.”
Stated action · 2021
“An additional £271,000 agreed in 2018/19 will be increased by an additional £673,000 per annum by 2021 to meet a range of pressures.”
Stated action
“the CCG is advised that due to actions taken internally the current waiting times for the service have improved, with a current waiting time for Cognitive Analytical Therapy of 13 weeks.”
Stated action
“have asked the Secondary Care Psychological Therapy Service to ensure that that when people are advised about the waiting times that they are supported to work with their care coordinator for stabilisation, containment and pre therapy work in preparation for therapy to ensure that they do not suffer the distress and despair that Ms [name redacted] family state that Ms [name redacted] experienced and evidenced by her tragic death”