Mental health attendances at A&E departments across England have surged by 8% between 2019 and 2023, according to new research from the Nuffield Trust published today. Yet amidst this concerning rise in crisis presentations, there's a significant bright spot: specialised mental health teams are proving remarkably effective at reducing the time patients spend in emergency care.
The analysis reveals that patients who see a mental health professional in A&E typically spend three hours less in the department compared to those who don't receive this specialised support. This improvement stems from these teams' ability to provide immediate assessments, help calm distressed patients, and arrange appropriate follow-up care – essentially creating a smoother pathway through what can be an overwhelming experience.
Behind this success lies a substantial investment in staffing. The number of mental health professionals working in emergency departments has nearly doubled since 2019, reflecting the NHS's strategic shift towards integrating mental health care into urgent services. These dedicated mental health liaison teams are becoming an increasingly vital part of the emergency care landscape.
However, significant challenges remain. Despite these improvements, approximately one in ten mental health patients attending A&E still face waits of over 12 hours – an unacceptably long time when someone is in crisis. This highlights the persistent pressure on services and the ongoing struggle to meet escalating demand for urgent mental health support.
Whilst specialised A&E teams provide crucial immediate help, experts warn that the root causes driving people to emergency departments – such as gaps in community mental health services and social care – require comprehensive attention. Without robust investment in preventative and early intervention services, A&E departments will continue shouldering a disproportionate burden of mental health crises.
The research illustrates both progress and persistent challenges: whilst dedicated teams are improving care for many patients, the underlying systemic issues contributing to mental health emergencies remain a pressing concern for both public health and policymakers.