First reported 14 Aug 2013•Latest report 24 Oct 2025
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures of funding, staffing, recruitment, retention, service capacity or resource resilience that are explicitly tied to the ability of mental health services to provide timely and safe patient care, including psychiatric units, CAMHS, older-age psychiatric teams and comparable mental health services.
Not included
Excludes generic workforce, funding or resource deficiencies without an explicit mental health service safety impact.
Excludes delays or access failures in a specific mental health pathway when the wider service-capacity deficiency is not identified.
Excludes non-mental-health services, including police, ambulance, epilepsy, maternity, social-care and general hospital capacity concerns.
Excludes deficiencies in a separately named mental health system or pathway where that named concern provides the more specific supported boundary, unless the assertion also directly identifies inadequate overall mental health service capacity.
Reports
40
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
48
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2013–2025
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
87
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
NHS England17
Department of Health and Social Care15
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board7
Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB2
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust2
HM Prison and Probation Service2
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust2
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust1
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust1
Cumbria County Council1
Department of Community Mental Health, Woolwich Station Medical Centre1
Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust1
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust1
Future Health and Social Care Association C.I.C.1
Greater Manchester Police1
Executive non-departmental public body17
Ministerial department17
NHS trust15
Integrated care board10
Police force3
English unitary authority2
Executive agency2
Healthcare site2
Local health board2
Multi-service care provider2
Private limited company2
Clinical commissioning group1
Community interest company1
English county council1
Independent healthcare provider1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Mid Kent and Medway
Concerns raised1
Insufficient staffing capacity for mental health treatment
This report raised 7 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Grow the NHS mental health workforce by an additional 27,000 staff between 2019/20 and 2023/24.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 November 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
NHS England is responsible for addressing the report’s concerns about local mental health service issues.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The relevant trust is responsible for local mental health service staffing levels and operations.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Manchester South
Concerns raised2
Underfunding for local mental health beds
Over-reliance by the NHS on independent providers for mental health beds
This report raised 7 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Support health and care systems to operationalise inpatient mental health care localisation plans through regional and national assistance.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 November 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Integrated care boards are responsible for developing three-year plans to localise and realign inpatient mental health care, including independent-sector provision.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
East London
Concerns raised1
Under-resourcing of CAMHS services
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.9
Action
Increase the mental health workforce by 27,000 staff, with three quarters of the target delivered by December 2023.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStatus at responseThe respondent said that this action was partly complete when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Action
Attract, train, recruit, retain and reskill the current and future mental health workforce.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Action
Continue increasing education and training commissions across mental health training programmes.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Action
Develop new mental health workforce roles and use existing roles to transform service delivery and improve service user experiences.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Action
Increase investment in the children and young people’s mental health workforce to expand service capacity.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Action
Develop a business case for additional CAMHS funding, including proposals for extended working and face-to-face initial assessments.
Stated by NHS North East LondonStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Action
Work with NELFT and other providers to support consultant psychiatrist recruitment and develop innovative recruitment approaches.
Stated by NHS North East LondonStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Action
Review growing CAMHS demand through the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative transformation work.
Stated by NHS North East LondonStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Action
Develop a business case for additional NELFT CAMHS funding to address increasing demand.
Stated by NHS North East LondonStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 8 September 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Local support provision and related actions must be addressed by the relevant local commissioners and providers.
Stated by NHS EnglandRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Delivery of expanded children’s mental health access and workforce ambitions is subject to future funding settlements.
Stated by NHS EnglandUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
West Yorkshire Eastern
Concerns raised1
Insufficient specialist psychiatric care for prisoners
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Berkshire
Concerns raised1
Inadequate or unsafe resourcing of mental health services
This report raised 9 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Complete the community mental health service reconfiguration bringing East and West services together to improve resilience and deploy resources safely.
Stated by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 June 2023.
Action
Review community mental health service leadership to determine the appropriate operational support and workforce deployment across Berkshire.
Stated by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 23 June 2023.
Action
Conduct caseload reviews to ensure patients are on appropriate pathways and receive evidence-based treatment and support.
Stated by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustStatus unclearThe respondent did not make the status of this action clear when they made their response on 23 June 2023.
Action
Maintain the Nurse Consultant network to provide specialist support, education, research, development, complexity intervention, and workforce-capacity monitoring.
Stated by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 June 2023.
Action
Provide monthly restorative supervision through trained professional nurse advocates to reduce burnout-related staff turnover.
Stated by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 June 2023.
Action
Implement targeted recruitment, apprenticeships, university links, social media, and recruitment campaigns to strengthen the mental health workforce.
Stated by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustStatus unclearThe respondent did not make the status of this action clear when they made their response on 23 June 2023.
North West Wales
Concerns raised1
Insufficient Primary Mental Health Services staffing causing assessment and counselling support delays
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.7
Action
Run additional assessment clinics using overtime staffing to address sickness and vacancy-related shortfalls.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHBStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 27 February 2023.
Action
Explore block-booking agency staff as a short-term measure to reduce assessment backlogs and restore performance-standard alignment.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHBStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 27 February 2023.
Action
Review assessment appointment scheduling and consider administrative or non-registered staff for scheduling tasks.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHBStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 27 February 2023.
Action
Discuss expanding counselling options in the West to increase capacity and reduce waiting times.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHBStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 27 February 2023.
Action
Offer additional shifts to mental health staff in West and Central services to complete assessments.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHBStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 27 February 2023.
Action
Run a divisional recruitment drive using an external specialist recruitment firm.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHBStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 27 February 2023.
Action
Review LPMHSS job descriptions to assess amendments enabling recruitment of non-nursing care professionals.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHBStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 27 February 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Unfilled vacancies and recruitment difficulties limit the ability to reduce waiting lists, caseloads and delays in access to care.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHBUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Birmingham and Solihull
Concerns raised1
Lack of Psychiatric decisions unit spaces
This report raised 5 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Support faster hospital discharge to reduce bed occupancy and A&E waiting times.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 16 January 2023.
Action
Provide funding to support adult social care and NHS discharges, including from mental health inpatient settings.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 January 2023.
Action
Develop and publish statutory guidance for discharge from mental health inpatient settings.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 January 2023.
Action
Use implemented processes to divert suitable patients from emergency departments to Psychiatric Decision Unit capacity.
Stated by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 16 January 2023.
Action
Review the Psychiatric Decision Unit service, including higher-acuity capacity, access and onward-care pathways, and clinical support.
Stated by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 16 January 2023.
Action
Explore alternative Psychiatric Decision Unit models to meet system need.
Stated by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 16 January 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Commissioning and operating psychiatric decisions units falls outside the police force’s functions and authority.
Stated by West Midlands PoliceOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Responsibility for psychiatric decisions unit beds and spaces rests with the named health bodies and Secretary of State for Health.
Stated by West Midlands PoliceRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
West Sussex
Concerns raised1
Lack of resourcing and provision for young people’s mental health services
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Expand and strengthen the NHS mental health workforce, including adding 27,000 mental health professionals by 2023/24.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 30 September 2022.
Action
Invest additional funding to expand children’s mental health services and increase access to community and eating disorder services.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 30 September 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Local commissioners are responsible for commissioning healthcare services that meet local population needs and expanding mental health services.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
West Yorkshire Eastern
Concerns raised1
Insufficient availability of psychiatric doctor provision for the mentally unwell prison population
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Approach NHS England and discuss seeking additional psychology and psychiatry resource for HMP Leeds.
Stated by Practice Plus Group Health And Rehabilitation Services LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 23 September 2022.
Action
Submit a business case to Commissioners for increased psychology and psychiatry provision at HMP Leeds.
Stated by Practice Plus Group Health And Rehabilitation Services LimitedStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 23 September 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
Existing stepped-care provision and multidisciplinary referral arrangements are considered sufficient to meet patients’ psychiatric needs at current levels.
Stated by Practice Plus Group Health And Rehabilitation Services LimitedExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Position
NHS England, as commissioner, is responsible for deciding whether additional psychology and psychiatry resources will be funded.
Stated by Practice Plus Group Health And Rehabilitation Services LimitedRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Even if additional funding is approved, recruitment difficulties may prevent immediate increases in psychiatric provision.
Stated by Practice Plus Group Health And Rehabilitation Services LimitedUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
East London
Concerns raised2
Insufficient resourcing of older age psychiatric teams
Lack of older adult psychiatry resource for elderly patients
This report raised 8 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Increase the mental-health workforce, including staffing capacity for community mental-health services for older adults.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
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Includes failures of funding, staffing, recruitment, retention, service capacity or resource resilience that are explicitly tied to the ability of mental health services to provide timely and safe patient care, including psychiatric units, CAMHS, older-age psychiatric teams and comparable mental health services.
