The number of people awaiting mental health assessments has surged significantly, highlighting a growing crisis in mental health services. The rise in demand has led to an exponential increase in waiting lists for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT). As of December 2024, the number of individuals on waiting lists has jumped from 6,700 in December 2021 to 11,600. This increase reflects heightened referrals specifically for ADHD, autism, and eating disorder services.
"Given the substantial increase in demand for mental health services, CPFT has seen its waiting list for assessment grow considerably." – CPFT
Despite being rated as "good" overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), CPFT's mental health services for adults of working age were rated as "requires improvement" in December. This rating comes amidst reports that an average of 14 mental health patients ready for discharge each month faced delays. The trust is grappling with significant challenges in meeting targets to timely see patients, notably those requiring eating disorder services, which receive approximately 138 referrals monthly.
Steve Grange, who took over as chief executive from Anna Hills in October, is at the helm during this critical period. The trust faces a significant financial strain, reporting an annual deficit of £7.23 million against a planned deficit of £4.07 million. Grange is tasked with steering the trust towards a new strategic direction, which will be discussed during Thursday’s meeting. This meeting will address not only the waiting lists but also local treatment options, suicide prevention strategies, financial standing, and leadership priorities.
Last year, CPFT decided against reviewing all suicides since 2017, a decision that may come under scrutiny in light of the ongoing challenges. The trust remains committed to taking the CQC's findings seriously and is expected to provide updates on its strategic initiatives moving forward.
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