HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2019: Mental Health Initiative of the Year

Rising demand for mental health services and beds has put pressure on the trust and other NHS organisations in the county. In response to this, the trust has developed a seven-bedded crisis house to offer an alternative to acute mental health admissions, and crisis cafes, working with Mind, to provide safe out-of-hours care for those in crisis. This avoided going to accident and emergency or involving other emergency services.

Nearly three quarters of those admitted to the crisis house for short stays would otherwise have had an acute admission and the crisis cafes – now expanded across the county – have helped the trust reduce frequent attenders at A&E. Both have led to significant savings for the NHS, but also positive patient experiences. Service users and carers were involved in the development of the crisis house and feedback has been positive.

To read this entry in full visit HSJ Solutions.