Calls for urgent action on Jersey mental health strategy

A mental health expert has called for action from Jersey’s government over a new strategy for future support.

Patricia Winchester, the chief executive of independent advocates My Voice, said some patients were effectively trapped on hospital wards because there was nowhere for them to go.

Her comments were made after Deputy Tom Binet – the island’s health minister – told a scrutiny hearing last week that a budget quoted for a new plan was not available.

Jersey’s Health Department has previously said it would need about £1m for a new strategy.

Since 1996, island governments and mental health support groups have been putting together ways to help Jersey prepare for an aging population, and to provide facilities for a variety of complex mental health needs.

When asked about the £1m figure for a new strategy, Mr Binet referred to it as a “ball park figure” and said he wanted to see the island moving away from plans it cannot afford.

He added his department would consider whether mental health covering dementia and neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism, could be improved with existing funding.

Ms Winchester has called for action on the issue within three months.

She told the BBC some mental health patients have remained on clinical wards for up to three years, meaning families faced a long wait to get assessments for relatives.

She added some care home residents had been forced to move on because their dementia had reached a stage that was difficult to manage.

“I deal with a lot of people who really struggle,” Ms Winchester said.

“Dementia and suicidality can happen to any of us.

“We need this strategy to become a reality because we must prioritize the most vulnerable in our society.”