There were almost 200 fewer people detained under the Mental Health Act across Sussex last year, despite increases across England. New figures show there were an estimated 1,350 detentions in the NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board area, down from 1,520 the year before. Across England, 52,460 detentions were recorded last year, up from 51,310 in 2022-23.
The figures also reveal people in the most deprived areas of Sussex were three times more likely to be detained under the act. Under the Mental Health Act, people with a mental disorder may be detained in hospital to protect their own health or safety or for the protection of other people. Last month it was reported that in Brighton and Hove there were 37,346 adults with depression in 2022-23, making up 13.
4 per cent of adults in the area registered with a GP. This follows an increase in trend since the Covid pandemic had started. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "The government is taking forward plans to improve mental health services within the NHS, including much-needed reform to the Mental Health Act.
"Reform will make the Act fit for the 21st century, giving all patients more autonomy, dignity, and support.".
