This is the second statistical publication in relation to the linked HES (Hospital Episode Statistics) and MHMDS (Mental Health Minimum Dataset) data, following on from the summary report published in June 2013.
The two data sets have been linked using specific patient identifiers collected in HES and MHMDS thereby allowing the datasets to be linked from 2006/07. However, the additional analysis within this report focuses on patients who were present in the two datasets in 2011-12 only.
The HES-MHMDS linkage allows national (within England) analysis along acute patient pathways for mental health service users, thereby enabling a much deeper understanding of MH (mental health) service users' interactions with acute secondary care.
Both HES and MHMDS datasets have been restricted to cover only patients who accessed NHS-funded services in England and includes only those who are aged 18 and over during 2011-12.
Please note: On 02/10/2013 the report was updated to correct a typing error in the Key facts - which stated there were 'just over 1.6 individuals' classified as Mental Health service users, this should have stated 'there are just over 1.6 million individuals'.