With more people dying each year and many spending their final days in institutions, researchers argue that wider access to palliative care could offer a more humane and cost-effective alternative, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
ANYONE who uses mental health services will know that the lack of continuity of care is a major problem. You may see a psychiatrist at one appointment but someone else at the next and then be expected to share sensitive details about your life and illness with them too.
You may find that the criteria for accessing the services has changed to such an extent that you are no longer offered help and instead are left to deteriorate further.
It would be hard to argue that continuity of care isn’t an aid to recovery or, indeed, lifesaving. So why is it so absent in mental healthcare?
Evidence to peers from medical leaders, patient safety officials and the children’s commissioner has intensified fears that the Bill’s safeguards are inadequate, writes ADAM JAMES POLLOCK



