Closure of unit forces mental health patients to be sent to A&E

The closure of a specialist unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary resulted in mental health patients being sent to A&E.

Specialist care was previously provided for people experiencing mental health problems at the Psychiatric Emergency Assessment Referral and Liaison (PEARL) service at Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester Evening News reported.

“Following feedback from service users and carers regarding issues of privacy and dignity in PEARL and the increasing lengths of stay of patients, the existing unit was closed,” a spokesman said.

“It was replaced with immediate effect by an A&E liaison service staffed by our highly qualified, experienced and professional team.”

Bosses have denied the move was to cut costs. It also revealed there would be no job losses.

Manchester Mental Health and Social Care is planning a full review of urgent mental health care in the area.

Last month, it was revealed that a quarter of all charities and voluntary groups in Greater Manchester would close due to government cuts in spending.