Reduced mental health budget leaves some hospitals short of beds

The number of emergency beds available to psychiatric patients fell by ten per cent during 2012.

This is according to a study by the Sunday Express, which found that despite the government's pledge to provide suitable care to those with mental illnesses, budgets are being slashed.

Some six per cent of mental health wards were found to have more patients than beds and a further ten per cent were at full capacity.

Western Dorset is the region worst affected as all its mental health beds are being closed this month.

The newspaper reports that a woman from Bridport who tried to commit suicide by taking sleeping pills could not be admitted to a mental health unit in the area because there were no available spaces.

Government officials have said a reduction in beds forms part of its plan to increase community-based care, but studies conducted at three universities has found that demand for in-bed psychiatric services has grown sharply.

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