The latest Adult Mental Health Bulletin is out courtesy of our friends at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
Month: September 2025
Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Bulletin
The latest Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Bulletin produced by the Mersey Care Evidently Better team is now available.
In this issue:
- Suicide and self-harm content still recommended ‘at industrial scale’ by TikTok and Instagram
- ‘Sliding into an abyss’: experts warn over rising use of AI for mental health support
- Youth Suicide Myths: Talking to Save Lives (Podcast)
- Join the ZSA train-a-thon
If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
Dementia Bulletin
The latest dementia bulletin from Mersey Care Evidence and Library Service has now been published at https://www.evidentlybetter.org/dementia/2025/09/3-september-2025/
In this issue:
- NHS supporting record numbers of people living with dementia
- How AI is accelerating the race to understand dementia
- Self-Reported Hearing Aid Use and Risk of Incident Dementia
- World Alzheimer’s Report 2025 launch
If you are unable to access any of the included items please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
Exploring evidence regarding vision-based monitoring in inpatient mental health units
The Care Quality Commission commissioned a rapid evidence review to assess vision-based monitoring systems (VBMS) in inpatient mental health settings. The study examined 68 documents and conducted 11 interviews to understand how VBMS are used and their impact on safety and care.
Key insights include:
- VBMS can track location, activity, vital signs, and support informed interventions, helping reduce sleep disturbances, self-harm incidents, restraint use, and operational costs.
- Some evidence shows reductions such as a 44% drop in bedroom self-harm incidents and a 26% fall in restraint use, though findings are limited and mixed.
- Significant concerns around consent, privacy infringement, diminished patient dignity, and risk of re-traumatisation were raised.
- The report highlights gaps in regulation, policy guidance, and evidence quality—calling for clearer oversight, ethical safeguards, and further independent research to inform CQC’s stance.
Read the full report here: Exploring evidence regarding vision-based monitoring in inpatient mental health units – Care Quality Commission
Suicide Awareness Month
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding, reduce stigma, and highlight the support available for anyone affected by suicide.
Talking about suicide can be difficult, but starting the conversation is vital. Libraries play a role in signposting to trusted information and resources that can help people find support for themselves or others.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
- NHS – Find help online at nhs.uk/mental-health
- Mind – Mental health support and advice at mind.org.uk
Our library also offers a range of Reading Well titles, including books on mental health, resilience, and coping strategies, all free to borrow.
Together, we can help break the silence and support suicide prevention.
Education Bulletin
With thanks to our colleagues at Mid-Cheshire NHS Foundation trust the latest Education bulletin is now available to view and download.
Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
Library Newsletter September 2025
Depression and Anxiety Bulletin
With thanks to our colleagues from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust please find the latest bulletin attached. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account.
In this edition:
- NHS talking therapy is less effective for younger adults
- New Mental Health Foundation study shows 32-hour work week boosts staff wellbeing without harming productivity
- Tackling poverty could be key to improving mental health in Wales, Mind Cymru report finds
- Verbally abused children more likely to have poor mental health as adults, study finds
For support accessing any of the articles, please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk
Patient Health Records: Access, Confidentiality, and the Journey Toward a Single Record
A July 28 2025 briefing explains current UK laws governing patient access to their own health records and confidentiality protections. It reveals that NHS data remains fragmented—GPs and hospitals each hold separate records, complicating care and research. The government plans to introduce a “single patient record” via the NHS App. While many support better data sharing, concerns linger over third-party access. Electronic record systems are in place in most NHS trusts, but progress continues toward full implementation by 2026. Key legislation now includes the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and updated standards to encourage secure and efficient data sharing.
Read more: Patient health records: Access, sharing and confidentiality – House of Commons Library
Breaking Barriers: Diversity in NHS Communications
A new NHS Confederation report explores key insights and recommendations aimed at improving access, career experiences, and outcomes for ethnic minority (BME) communications professionals across the NHS. It highlights institutional racism, structural bias, limited career progression, and a worrying trend: 26% of surveyed BME communicators expect to leave the profession within three years. The report underscores the urgent need for inclusive practices, allyship, and measurable change across the communications workforce.
Read the full report here: Breaking barriers | NHS Confederation
