Community Mental Health Services Report, Spring 2024

Report - 21 August 2024

This report presents the key findings and recommendations from a comprehensive evaluation of community mental health services in Bromley. Our objective was to review the quality of care and identify areas for improvement, to enhance service delivery and meet the diverse needs of service users.

Healthwatch Bromley, dedicated to enhancing local health and social care services, initiated this community mental health services project in response to feedback obtained from engagement visits, representation on reference groups, and input from community mental health service users and carers.

Focusing primarily on working age adults aged 18-66 receiving community mental health support for over 12 weeks or recently discharged, the project aimed to gather evidence and feedback on access to services, treatment outcomes, and the adequacy of addressing physical health needs. 

Most service users reported a positive experience with community mental health services, but several challenges were identified, including delayed care, misdiagnosis, and inconsistent quality of treatment. Concerns were also raised about poor communication between staff, which impacts the user experience negatively.

The findings and recommendations in this report provide a road map for improving community mental health services in Bromley, enabling all individuals to receive the support they need.

We received a formal response from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which you will find attached to the back of this report.

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CMHS Report and Response 2024
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