As we all know we have a National Health Service system which is under crisis. The NHS was created to give free healthcare. In 1990 the Community Care Act was launched to increase care in the community for the physical and mentally ill. 

Most of us would do anything to help a loved one get better. This can be very difficult to achieve if their are not enough resources to do this. My brother had his first episode of psychosis 2 years ago, and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. During this time Gavin (alias) was sectioned twice under the Mental Health Act section 2. Gavin was discharged after each episode back into the community. Gavin does not accept he has a mental health problem (bi-polar) which often results in him not taking his medication. We have requested for increased care in supporting Gavin at home. Gavin recently suffered from a severe psychosis episode, which included self neglect. Gavin refused to consent for hospital admission, and as a family we couldn't watch him continue to destroy himself. Mental health crisis team advised us to call 999. Paramedics couldn't take him as he wouldn't consent. We were passed to about 8 different departments. It took nearly 7 hours to get Gavin admitted into the psychiatric hospital. I spoke with the duty officer who said "Gavin needed to contact them". I asked her "why would he contact you when he does not feel anything is wrong?" Are we supposed to sit around and wait till he does something extreme o himself before anyone stops to help?

The increased frustration was also the time it was taking for things to move forward.The reason for the delays was that nobody wanted to take ownership, and poor communication. During those 7 hours, Gavin's agitation, psychosis, anxiety and anger increased. To see your loved one, not behaving the way you know him to be is heart braking.   

We need more efficient pathways to admit a patient who is refusing admission. There needs to be further roles who can undertake sections for those who lack capacity. During a crisis there shold be a clear pathway which is efficient to get the patients need met with the right support. 

Please support this campaign, as in 2020 we should not be in situations where there is a lack of help and assistance towards patients with Mental Health.