MORE needs to be done to support people in Worcestershire suffering from mental health problems, the head of a patient’s watchdog has said.

Last month Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs mental health and community services in the county, was given a ‘requires improvement’ rating by the Care Quality Commission.

Among issues highlighted in the report were the effectiveness of treatment and responsiveness to patient’s individual needs as well as the ability of patients in mental health wards – who may be at risk of attempting to commit suicide – being able to access ligature points which they would be able to use to form a noose.

Speaking at Healthwatch Worcester’s annual conference on Friday, June 26, the organisation’s chairman Peter Pinfield said he was aware some improvements needed to be made to mental health services in the county.

“We are not doing enough in that area,” he said.

“We are being assured by the government that resources are coming our way. But the question is when.

“We’ve got to improve a lot of services in mental health.

“It’s on our to-do list.”

Harvington Ward at Kidderminster Hospital – an in-patient ward for adults with mental health issues – came in for particular criticism in the Care Quality Commission’s report, with inspectors raising concerns that patients were unable to access the canteen and staff were not able to operate the heating system, meaning it was often too cold.

Inspectors also said they were concerned staff on some wards were unable to keep patients in view at all times.

The trust has vowed to address the issues raised by the report and has published an extensive action plan at www.hacw.nhs.uk/CIHreport.

Anyone suffering mental health problems should speak to their GP as soon as possible. Anyone concerned someone they know is at risk of harming themselves should call 999 immediately.