A shocking revelation about mental health services in Greater Manchester has sparked a government response. The issue is dire, and it's time we addressed it head-on.
On November 4, 2025, at 3:38 PM, the government issued an update, acknowledging a critical gap in mental health support for those in need. This comes after an MP raised concerns about the region's mental health services, highlighting years of crises and failures.
But here's where it gets controversial... Both major mental health trusts in Greater Manchester have faced severe scrutiny, with whistleblowers exposing safety concerns and abuse. The Manchester Evening News reported that people with severe mental illness are at a higher risk of premature death in the region, a stark reminder of the urgency needed to address these issues.
Demand for mental health care has skyrocketed post-pandemic, yet the system seems ill-equipped to handle it. Independent MP Andrew Gwynne questioned the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, about the adequacy of mental health services in Greater Manchester.
The response from Dr. Zubir Ahmed, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the DHSC, acknowledged the shortcomings and outlined the government's plan to recruit additional mental health workers, including psychiatrists. The 10-Year Health Plan aims to transform the mental health system, ensuring support is accessible and timely.
However, the region's largest mental health provider, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), has faced its own set of challenges. An undercover investigation by Panorama exposed alleged abuse of vulnerable patients, leading to the shutdown of the Edenfield Centre facility. The trust received an 'inadequate' rating in 2023 and was warned to improve rapidly in 2024 due to concerns across all its services.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) cited issues with governance, ligature risks, fire safety, medication management, ward security, infection control, and staff training. Despite improvements claimed by GMMH, watchdog inspectors raised concerns about patient safety during an inspection in late 2024.
The Manchester Evening News had previously reported on the unsafe understaffing of these services and how trust failures contributed to tragic deaths. The M.E.N. also highlighted that many promised improvements by the trust have not materialized or have even deteriorated over time.
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, the other major provider, was rated as requiring improvement by health watchdogs in 2019. Last year, following safety concerns from whistleblowers and users, health watchdogs visited Pennine Care units. The concerns, particularly about wards for older people, were substantiated, revealing breaches in safety and patient consent. The CQC found staffing issues and served the trust with a warning notice.
Pennine Care provides mental health services to over 70,000 people across Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, and Stockport, while GMMH serves over 97,000 people in Bolton, Manchester, Trafford, Wigan, and other northwest areas.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite the government's plans and promises, the mental health crisis in Greater Manchester persists. The system is failing those who need it most, and it's time for a comprehensive overhaul.
What are your thoughts on the government's response? Do you think it's enough to address the mental health crisis in Greater Manchester? Share your opinions in the comments below!
