Average length of stay in adult acute mental health beds

This chart shows the average length of stay in adult acute mental health beds, measured both as a median and a mean. The figures can be examined from a national perspective or at provider level.

Exploring the charts: To explore Providers, click on the tab then click in the box to compare data sets. Missing values for providers, either entirely for the data series or for individual data points, are either an indication that no or a very small number of patients were seen during the period covered.

Policy context

As a key element in the 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance for the NHS to support with efforts to improve patient flow through mental health crisis and acute pathways, local areas are being tasked with reducing average length of stay in adult acute mental health services. 

The metric being monitored is not precisely specified, however the data is published as both a mean and median so both datasets are included on this indicator for the sake of completeness.

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