Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust reposted this
It was great to see our mental health response vehicle service feature as a big case study in the national NHS Providers update. Danielle Lord, service manager, explained in detail how the new service is improving mental health crisis care across Greater Manchester by helping people avoid A&E. Across Greater Manchester, nearly 600 people have been supported by new mental health response vehicles – with 453 avoiding A&E (77%). The vehicles are run by North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) alongside Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. For all ages, it involves an emergency medical technician from NWAS and a mental health practitioner from Pennine Care or Greater Manchester Mental Health jointly responding to 999 calls where the person is experiencing a mental health crisis. Some may also have a physical health need. The patient can be treated at the scene, or signposted to an appropriate community-based service, instead of going to A&E which isn't the best place for most people. Making sure they quickly receive the right care, in the right place, will benefit their recovery, ensure they have a positive experience and make best use of professionals' time. An added bonus is that the vehicles are electric, in line with the national greener NHS programme to achieve net zero carbon. We've made many improvements to mental health services over the last couple of years. We'll continue to work hard with our partners to transform services and ensure a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities.
