Norfolk and Suffolk mental health campaigners raise fears over NHS crisis care access
An inquest heard a patient was allegedly rejected for urgent NHS support while receiving private treatment.
A mental health campaign group has written to the Health Secretary after concerns were raised during an inquest about a patient allegedly being refused urgent NHS support while receiving private treatment.
The inquest, at Norfolk Coroner's Court, heard that 63-year-old Alan Mann had long suffered from depression and ME.
On February 1st 2025, died by suicided after speaking to his GP about his deteriorating mental health.
"They must not be denied emergency treatment”
The Campaign to Save Mental Health Services in Norfolk and Suffolk said it was “extremely disturbing” to hear evidence suggesting Mr Mann had been “repeatedly rejected for urgent NHS care”.
In a letter addressed to Wes Streeting, the group questioned whether patients accessing private mental health support could be prevented from receiving emergency NHS treatment.
The committee wrote: “This appears to set an extremely worrying and dangerous precedent.
“Are people denied emergency treatment in physical health if they choose to access private treatment? If the answer to this is ‘no’, why is it happening in mental health?”
The campaign group said it had been contacted by vulnerable people who had turned to private healthcare after being unable to access NHS treatment or facing long waiting lists.
It added: “They must not be denied emergency treatment.”
NFST response
In response, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust said no such policy exists.
Cath Byford, the Trust’s Chief Patient Experience Officer, said: “Nobody is prevented from accessing urgent or emergency NHS mental health care in Norfolk and Suffolk, regardless of whether they are also receiving private treatment.
“We have no policy or guidance that restricts access to our crisis services on this basis.”
She added: “Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option and will be directed to appropriate support.”
The Trust said it understood the issue may cause concern and wanted to “reassure patients and families that help is always available and based on clinical need”.
Ms Byford also said the Trust continues to meet regularly with the Campaign to Save Mental Health Services in Norfolk and Suffolk and that campaign members are involved in improvement work.
Department of Health and Social Care response
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Mr Mann.
“No one should ever be denied access to emergency care, including those who have accessed private services.”
The department said improving mental health services remained a key part of the Government’s Ten Year Health Plan.
The spokesperson added: “There is more work to do, but we have already made significant progress, including recruiting 8,500 additional mental health workers three years ahead of schedule and increasing NHS mental health spending to a record £16.1 billion in 2026–27.”
Support available
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, support is available via NHS 111 by selecting the mental health option.
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support