England mental health services face cuts as providers plan to reduce care

Millions of adults and children in England may face longer waits for mental health treatment after many NHS providers drew up plans to reduce services, according to the Guardian. The plans are intended to help trusts fill financial gaps.

The newspaper said more than two-thirds of providers expect to scale back care, while about half anticipate job losses. It reported that the changes could affect access to support at a time when demand is already high.

Experts quoted by the Guardian warned that the cuts could also affect the wider NHS, public services and the economy. The report comes as mental health services in England continue to face heavy pressure.

The Guardian also reported that the government has announced new community clinics and other measures aimed at improving access, including a faster deadline for ending out-of-area acute placements and shorter waits for children.