Community single point of access

• 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.

• 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.

During implementation of the SPA pathway, we have worked closely with our key stakeholders to design the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the Single Referral Form and to standardise SPA protocols and letter templates. 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.  We will continue to review progress, share successful examples, and refine the standard operating procedure 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.

 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