Medical negligence
Self advocacy in mental health care
Our medical negligence experts discuss the results of our recent research on how mental health is treated within a healthcare setting.
Mental health support can be a lifeline for many, but it’s not unheard of for many to have experienced mental health stigma when seeking medical support. Due to the perception of what it means to suffer from mental health problems, many people will hesitate to ask for support until it is impacting their daily lives significantly or they feel they have exhausted other options. This waiting, coupled with healthcare wait times can lead to a delayed support plan.
GP’s and mental health support
Those needing mental health support can make an appointment with their local GP in order to get a referral. In these appointments, a GP should listen to you talk about your concerns, give you advice and introduce you to a mental health service they think will be most helpful to you.
However, our research revealed that more than one in four felt that their GP did not understand everything when it comes to mental health concerns. Inadequate assessments can exacerbate any symptoms that can lead to severe consequences on a person’s wellbeing.
The NHS aims for patients to be seen within 18 weeks if referred to a consultant-led service, however this can differ based on services available in the individual's area and the demand for the service in the area. The mental health survey in 2024 found that Care Quality Commission community waiting between their assessment with the NHS mental health team and their first appointment for treatment, 40% of that while waiting between their assessment with the NHS mental health team and their first appointment for treatment, 40% of people did not receive support for their mental health.
How to advocate for your mental health in a healthcare setting
In recent research conducted by Slater and Gordon, we found that nearly one in three do not think the NHS mental health services in the UK are sufficient. The healthcare system in the UK can sometimes fall short of what patient's need, so the importance of understanding how you can advocate for your health cannot be overstated. While mental health and physical illnesses may seem different, the process of advocating for yourself is very similar.
You can speak up for yourself in many ways, ensuring the right course of action is chosen for your individual needs. Some ways you can advocate for your mental health care needs include:
- Taking notes into your appointment to ensure you discuss everything you feel you need to,
- Asking your doctor to explain why they chose any specific treatment plan so that you are fully informed,
- Asking for a second opinion if you need to,
- Speaking honestly and openly about how your mental health is impacting your daily life,
- Sharing any information, you feel is relevant (such as big life changes).
We are here to help
Your understanding of your healthcare journey is incredibly important and to help you to advocate for your health, we have created a self-advocacy support pack, including downloadable resources that can be handed directly to your healthcare professional, letting you highlight and record any poor quality of care you believe you have received.
If you believe your mental health concerns have not been taken seriously or you have received substandard medical care and suffered further because of clinical negligence, get in touch with our experts at Slater and Gordon. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
