Our NHS is in early stage terminal decline
The NHS is in dire financial straits and this is beginning to undermine the health of our nation. Social care is at the heart of the problem we are facing in the NHS. Queues in A&E, delays in discharge, the lack of community services and joined-up care are due to the savage cuts in social care. NHS funding has dropped to only 7% of our national GDP – a level not seen since 2008.
Veterans’ mental health: Referrals rise by 26%
Mental health referrals for ex-servicemen and women have increased by 26% in the last year, says a specialist mental health charity for veterans.
Combat Stress said referrals for ill mental health or post-traumatic stress disorder rose from 1,802 to 2,264.
It said an increase in veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan seeking help was the main reason for the rise.
A young woman who was honoured by Princess Anne for her dedication to charity work was found hanged on a hospital ward after she complained of being intimidated by noisy neighbours.
Kimberley Lindfield, 27, a former youth volunteer for St John Ambulance, had filed a report to housing officials about loud music being played next to her rented flat.
Over 100 people a day with mental health problems are having their benefits sanctioned, according to Freedom of Information requests by the Methodist Church in Britain.
The data, obtained from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), showed that in March 2014 alone – the last month for which data is available – around 4,500 people with mental health problems who receive the sickness and disability benefit Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) because of mental health problems had their benefits sanctioned.
