NHS doctors more likely to let people with mental difficulties die

Doctors in the NHS are more likely to let a patient die if they suffer from some form of mental illness or disability, a new report has suggested.

The study, which was carried out by academics from Bristol University over a period of three years, found that in some cases orders were made not to try and resuscitate people because they had learning difficulties.

It also stated that those with mental problems are less likely to receive a fast diagnosis if they have cancer.

Dr Pauline Heslop from Bristol University's Norah Fry Research Centre, said: "We have, over the past few years, been rightly horrified by the abuse of people with learning disabilities at Winterbourne View hospital and of vulnerable patients at Mid-Staffordshire."

She added that the findings should cause equal concern amongst the general public as those cases and serve as a "wake-up call" to health officials.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.