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England's Mental Health Crisis: Patients Face 3-Day Waits

5/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mental health patients in England are enduring shocking wait times in A&E, with some waiting up to three agonizing days for a bed. Conditions have been described as "close to torture," exacerbating distress and leading to tragic suicide attempts. The Royal College of Nursing reports a staggering 383% increase in patients waiting over 12 hours since 2019, coinciding with a severe decline in mental health beds.

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Story summary

Mental health patients in England are enduring shocking wait times in A&E, with some waiting up to three agonizing days for a bed. Conditions have been described as "close to torture," exacerbating distress and leading to tragic suicide attempts. The Royal College of Nursing reports a staggering 383% increase in patients waiting over 12 hours since 2019, coinciding with a severe decline in mental health beds.