Mentally ill child forced to travel to the country for treatment by the NHS

A child with mental illness was forced to travel almost as long as the country to seek treatment by the NHS.

The child was sent 339 miles from their home, driving equivalent from Brighton to nearby Newcastle.

Data for England, obtained under the Information Act, shows that the lack of in-patient beds near youth centers means that they must be treated in units remote from their family's support and their friends in other parts of the country.

According to experts, moving vulnerable, often suicidal children puts them at risk.

NHS England is committed to ending out-of-area investments in 2017.

The data shows that 587 young people were admitted to inpatient psychiatric care units in the first six months of 2018-2019, a similar rate to 1,249 in 2017/18.

Dr. Jon Goldin, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said, "Loneliness and social isolation are also likely to hinder their chances of recovery."

Barbara Keeley, Ghost Minister of Mental Health, said the kids sent out 300 miles were "dreadful".

The Ministry of Health said, "We are committed to ending inappropriate out-of-area placements for mental health care by 2020-21."

Geoff Heyes, Mind Policy Manager for Mind, said, "Too many youth with mental health issues are forced to travel hundreds of kilometers of family and friends, who form a strong support network, to receive the treatment they need.

"The NHS has made ambitious commitments to improve mental health care, which is welcome.

But while waiting for their delivery, hundreds of young people continue to be fired from their homes. "

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health and Social Services said: "It is totally unacceptable that patients be kicked out of their families and friends for treatment and we are committed to ending inappropriate placements outside of their homes. the region for mental health care by 2020/21.

"We are transforming mental health services with a record record expenditure of £ 12.1 billion this year. As part of our long-term plan for the NHS, we announced a further expansion of mental health services, with an additional £ 2.3 billion each year in real terms. from here 2023/24.

"It was insulating – my support was at home"

Katie Scott has been diagnosed with anorexia, depression and severe anxiety.

At 17, she was transferred to an adult unit near Norwich, 200 km from her home.

Katie, now 20, from Wokingham, Berks, said: "It was very insulating.

"The whole network of support I had when I was sick was home based."

Katie, who is now studying food and nutrition at the university, is also raising awareness of the charity for mental health, Mind.