Patients and healthcare workers in Greater Manchester are speaking out about the severe strain on mental health services, with many patients feeling “abandoned” due to a lack of resources and long waiting times. A group of staff members at Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust has gone on strike again, protesting what they say is inadequate funding and support for people with severe, long-term mental health conditions.
The issue is particularly concerning for those with conditions like psychosis and bipolar disorder, who require ongoing care from community mental health nurses. Currently, more than 600 people are on the “waiting well” list, waiting for such services. This shortage has led to significant delays and, for some, a worsening of their conditions.
One such patient, Craig, has lived with complex mental health issues for nearly three decades. After contacting his GP to adjust his medication post-lockdown, he was forced to wait nine months before seeing a psychiatrist. The delay worsened his mental health, ultimately affecting his ability to run a business he had spent years building. He now reflects on how earlier intervention could have changed his situation.
Staff members, including therapist Darren Williamson, who is on strike, cite the lack of funding and the insufficient number of staff as major issues. Many of the workers argue that patients, particularly those with enduring mental health conditions, are being let down by the system. Dr. John Mulligan, a psychiatrist and union representative, pointed out that thousands of people are either not receiving services or are being prematurely discharged into unsuitable situations.
Rachel, a patient receiving care, has had five different case workers in just two years, which has made it difficult to build trust and continuity in her treatment. Although she attends a peer support group, she says that many others are not receiving the care they need, which increases their risk of mental health crises.
Annabel Marsh, who runs a support group in the region, echoes these concerns, stating that the lack of coordinated care is leading to more people being hospitalized. The NHS Greater Manchester report revealed a £97.7 million funding shortfall, which has contributed to a lack of community provision and forced many patients to be placed in distant hospitals at great cost to the health system.
In response to the crisis, Professor Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, acknowledged the pressures faced by the mental health system and emphasized their commitment to improving community services, preventing mental health issues, and strengthening crisis response. However, she also admitted that some individuals are struggling to access timely support, calling the situation an area requiring urgent attention.
Despite these assurances, many remain skeptical. For patients like Craig, the question remains: could earlier intervention have saved not only their health but also their livelihoods?