 Emma Osborne's mother was discharged after a suicide attempt |
Pressure on the number of hospital beds is leading to a crisis in care for people who are mentally ill in the West, an expert has said. The MIND mental health charity says a shortage of beds means there is no space for people who need urgent help.
The claim has been backed by a woman whose mentally-ill mother was sent home after a suicide attempt - although the family still fear for her life.
The Strategic Health Authority has denied there is a shortage of beds.
Jeff Walker, of the Bristol branch of Mind, said: "A lot of beds have closed over the years and it does mean that there is not enough supply when people reach a point of crisis."
Emma Osborne's mother was examined by Casualty at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and sent home with a home help for one hour a day.
Ms Osborne, who has to look after her four-year-old daughter as well as her mother, said: "She has gone from being an active caring mum to this very insular person, someone who really struggles from day to day.
"I am really not hopeful for the future. I just see this spiralling."
The Bath NHS Trust admitted there was pressure on beds, but said no-one would be turned away unless it was safe.
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