Trust cuts longest waits for mental health support

The number of people in Kent and Medway waiting more than 38 weeks for community mental health support has fallen by almost 50% since January, an NHS trust has said.

According to new figures released by the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, the number fell from 305 in January to 161 in July.

The trust said the improvement follows targeted work, including regular reviews of waiting lists, improvements to care pathways and stronger oversight of access to services.

Acting chief nurse Julie Kirby said the trust has responded to people making it clear they "want quicker access to care and a simpler experience when moving between services".

She said: "While we know there is more to do, we are pleased that 144 fewer people are now waiting more than 38 weeks for support than at the start of the year...

"Our focus now is on going further, making community mental health care easier to access, more joined up around people's needs and available closer to home."

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