Mental Health Advocates Raise Concerns with Parliamentarians

Advocates, including families who have experienced loss, convened with Members of Parliament to express their apprehension regarding a mental health trust facing significant strain. Representatives from the Campaign to Save Mental Health Services in Norfolk & Suffolk journeyed to London on Monday. Natalie McLellan, whose daughter Rebecca passed away last year, commented that certain politicians demonstrated genuine interest, stating they were “really engaged,” but emphasized the necessity for the group to “keep going.” The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) acknowledged that further efforts are required to enhance the quality of care provided. The advocacy group had previously articulated its apprehension regarding the frequency with which coroners have issued criticisms concerning the trust. As of 2024, the service has received six reports aimed at preventing future deaths, a figure surpassing the total number of such reports it was sent throughout 2022. Last year, the trust received a rating of “requires improvement” from regulatory inspectors, following an earlier period during which it had been placed under special measures. Rebecca, Ms McLennan’s daughter, received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2020 and subsequently died in her Ipswich flat in November of the previous year. Her mother stated that the approximately one year of care Rebecca received from NSFT involved a “catalogue of failings.” “The failings that she has experienced have been the subject of many [other] prevention of future death [reports] for the last 11 years,” she stated. She added, “These are not new things.” Ms McLennan was among 14 campaigners present at the Westminster meeting, which, according to the group, also saw the participation of approximately 10 Members of Parliament representing the two counties. Ms McLennan further remarked, “I think some of them were really engaged and listened and stayed behind to talk to us individually which was really positive.” She added, “There are a couple of immediate changes they’re talking about that could make some real change – I can only hope.” She concluded, “This is not our first trip here. This is a new set of MPs so we’re almost starting at the beginning again which is a bit frustrating but we have to hope and we have to keep going.” Mark Harrison, who chairs the campaign, noted that this occasion marked the initial opportunity for numerous newly elected MPs to engage directly with families impacted by these issues. He commented, “The fact they were in the room and they were listening is a positive thing.” However, he cautioned, “Whether things change, the jury is still out.” Jack Abbott, the Labour Member of Parliament for Ipswich, assisted in organizing the gathering. “We’ve heard absolutely harrowing stories,” he stated. He expressed, “I don’t want to hear those stories anymore, I don’t want families and campaigners having to keep coming down to London, to Westminster, banging on the door demanding change.” Additionally, the group held discussions with representatives from the NHS and regulatory bodies in Ipswich on Tuesday. Cath Byford, the deputy chief executive officer at NSFT, indicated that the campaign committee assists the trust in its efforts to “improve future patient care and services” and confirmed regular meetings with the committee. She further commented, “We continue to work closely with them and have found the feedback and insight they have given to our improvement work – to help shape future services – valuable.” For updates on Suffolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.