Access to mental health supports in England: crisis resolution teams and day services.

Access to health care is a complex issue with multiple supply and demand side facets. Here just two issues are explored; the potential for access through availability and the actual access made as indicated by utilisation rates. These perspectives are explored for two mental health services, crisis resolution teams and day hospitals, both of which are recommended components for a comprehensive local mental health care service in England. The geographical spread of these services is considered alongside the level of provision and the extent of their use. Associations between availability and needs, and between use and needs are tested. Tracking resources from funding allocations to provision is also complex and issues around resource allocation are discussed.