NHS mental health referrals reached a record high in 2021
Referrals for specialist mental health care via the NHS reached a record high at the end of 2021, according to new analysis by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The college is calling for action to be taken by the government amid this unprecedented demand, with huge backlogs for treatment stacking up.
The findings, which were based on data published by NHS Digital, reveal that there were 4.3 million referrals for people dealing with conditions including anxiety, depression, addiction and post traumatic stress disorder in 2021. In each of the previous two years, there were around 3.8 million referrals.
Of 2021's referrals, just under a quarter were made up of children and young people.
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The cause of this is thought to be a result of the myriad stressors of the pandemic.
In December 2021, there was a 15.7% increase in children and young people accessing mental health services when compared with the two years prior, and a 14.7% increased over the same period for adults.
The view from The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Of the findings, Dr Adrian James, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said that, without a fully funded plan for mental health provisions, people will be left waiting 'far too long' for the treatment they need.
'As the pressure on services continues to ratchet up, the silence from government continues to be of grave concern for the College, the wider mental health workforce and, most importantly, our patients.
'The warning of the long tail of mental ill health caused by the pandemic has not been heeded. Many thousands of people will be left waiting far too long for the treatment they need unless the government wakes-up to the crisis that is engulfing the country.
'Staff are working flat-out to give their patients the support they need but the lack of resources and lack of staff mean it’s becoming an impossible situation to manage.
'We don’t need warm words or empty commitments. We need a fully funded plan for mental health services, backed by a long-term workforce plan, as the country comes to terms with the biggest hit to its mental health in generations.'
A spokesperson for the Department and Social Care said: 'We are committed to ensuring everyone is able to access the help and advice they need, which is why we are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year into mental health services by 2023/24, on top of the £500 million we have made available to address the impact of the pandemic.
'We will be launching a national conversation to inform the development of a new long term Mental Health Plan later this year.
'Mental health services are there for those who need them, so if you need support or are concerned about someone else, please reach out for help.
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