Community single point of access
Community single point of access (SPA)
We are working towards creating a Community single point of access (SPA) for adults and older adults accessing mental health services across the five boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Islington, and Haringey. This initiative aims to simplify and improve access to services, ensuring a more efficient, consistent, and user-friendly experience for referrers and individuals.
Why are we doing this?
- There is a national and North Central London (NCL) direction towards a Community SPA.
- We are introducing a "no-wrong-door" approach, making it easier for referrers to access the right services for individuals without unnecessary delays.
- Currently, community mental health services handle over 2,000 referrals each month, mostly from GPs. This programme will streamline processes and explore digital solutions to enhance efficiency.
- We aim to build on the success of the SPA developed for Children and Young People’s Services and learn from best practices in other Trusts.
What does this mean for referers?
- A simplified referral process, ensuring that referrals are directed to the right service without unnecessary handovers.
- A more coordinated and efficient system, reducing administrative burdens and response times.
- Opportunities to provide input and feedback on the new approach, helping to shape how referrals are managed in the future.
How has the Community SPA been designed?
We have been working closely with GPs and the voluntary sector to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be implemented across all five boroughs. This collaborative approach ensures we address local needs and create a practical, effective system for everyone involved.
To support this process, we have held several engagement sessions with GPs, voluntary sector groups, and other stakeholders. These sessions have provided a platform for open discussion, sharing of best practices, and identifying areas for improvement.
Our third workshop on 10 April 2025 will provide another opportunity to bring everyone together. We will continue to review progress, share successful examples, and refine the SOP to ensure it is fit for purpose across all five boroughs.
This ongoing collaboration will help us build a streamlined and efficient process that benefits both healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.
Phase 1 - Barnet roll out
As of Tuesday 1 April , we will be launching the first phase of the Community SPA in Barnet . This initial phase will allow us to learn from how Barnet experiences the new system, gathering valuable feedback and insights. These learnings will be used to refine and improve the system, ensuring it’s as effective as possible before we roll it out across the remaining four boroughs—Camden, Enfield, Islington, and Haringey.
We’ll share information on the role out as it happens.
New Barnet EMIS form
What’s changing?
•A new standard referral form is launching in Barnet from Thursday 1 May 2025 for adult secondary mental health services.
•This is part of a wider move toward a single point of access across all North Central London.
•The form will replace existing local versions over time, creating consistency across boroughs.
•A new standard referral form is launching in Barnet from Thursday 1 May 2025 for adult secondary mental health services.
•This is part of a wider move toward a single point of access across all North Central London.
•The form will replace existing local versions over time, creating consistency across boroughs.
How was the form developed?
•Designed by the Community single point of access project group, based on an aggregation of referral forms used in the 5 NCL boroughs
•Shared with the ICB for implementation.
•Now adapted to work within EMIS, enabling much of the required information to be populated from existing patient records.
•There has been collaboration with GP colleagues to ensure usability and reduce administrative burden.
As of the 1 May, the form will be found in EMIS within the NCL global documents folder under the name “Single point of access to adult mental health service – NLFT” in the mental health folder.
As with all referral forms in EMIS global documents, this form will launch and prompt the user to pick appropriate investigations, problems and consultations.
Any queries regarding the form can be sent to: nclicb.itandsystems@nhs.net
Get involved
We are committed to working collaboratively with referrers, service users, and staff to design and implement this new approach. We will be hosting engagement sessions and workshops to gather insights and ensure the system meets your needs.
Thank you for your support in shaping a more accessible and effective mental health referral system.
