GPs warn they are struggling to support young patients with mental illness after BMA research found seven in 10 children and adolescents with severe mental health problems were admitted to hospitals outside their local area | GPonline
A total of 69% of child and adolescent admissions for severe mental health issues in 2016/17 were classed as ‘out of area’, according to data obtained from hospitals by the BMA.
Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that the proportion of children admitted to hospital out of their area rose 12 percentage points in 2016/17 compared with the previous year.
The BMA warned that the figures – published to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week – showed worsening access to specialist beds.
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