Increase NHS psychiatric beds to reduce waits and unsafe placements
Increase funding for NHS psychiatric inpatient beds across England. Long waits and bed shortages mean some detained patients are placed in general wards, creating safety risks and blocking beds for physical health care. Capacity needs to be expanded to ensure timely, appropriate treatment.
Signatures
131
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 131/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 131/100,000
- 31 MAR 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Rebecca Cockcroft
Background
Delays in accessing psychiatric beds leave vulnerable patients without appropriate specialist care. General hospital wards are not secure or designed for acute mental health crises. Patients experiencing severe psychosis or mania can abscond or be at risk of serious harm. This creates significant safety concerns, places additional strain on staff and blocks beds needed for physical health care.