London Borough of Waltham Forest is composed of an ethnically diverse population. In some ethnic groups, mental illness may prevent access, or influence non-attendance when referred to Mental Health Services.

To examine referrals received by our service and first appointment attendance with respect to gender and ethnicity.

To assess the characteristics of referrals and first appointment attendance when accessing mental health services during August 2009 and compare with ethnic demographics of the borough.

We retrospectively analysed psychiatric referrals received. Data was collected from electronic patient record.

Of the 159 referrals evaluated, 39% referrals were White, 13% Asian, 13% Black, 3% mixed and 4% other. Majority of referrals were from general practitioners. In 28%, ethnicity was not recorded. 60% were female and 38% male. 52% were referred for mood symptoms. 24% Whites attended their first appointment as opposed to 9% of Asians and 8% Blacks. While referrals reflected the wider population, there was a higher rate of non attendance amongst ethnic minority groups than Whites. Interestingly a higher number of females attended their first appointment compared to males. This may explain for lower number of female admissions compared to males.

We found several possible explanations for the above findings from literature which highlighted stigma as a major determining factor. Our trust has an Equality and Diversity Work plan to promote engagement of minority ethnic groups. However there seems to be a relative poverty in accessing services in our Borough.