News

We are working with partners across London to support a shared plan to reduce, and often avoid, the need for people in mental health crisis to attend A&E. Speaking to the Health Service Journal (HSJ), NHS England’s former National Mental Health Director, Claire Murdoch (pictured below), described the plan as a “major milestone for the mental health sector”. 

The city‑wide blueprint for mental health crisis assessment services (MHCAS) is being led by us and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, with support from mental health providers across the capital.

The model recognises that A&E is not always the most appropriate setting for someone in mental health crisis. People can face long waits, overstimulating environments and delays in accessing specialist support. Instead, 24/7 MHCAS centres provide rapid assessment, immediate support and clear next steps – and, where someone is physically well, can remove the need for an A&E visit altogether.

We already run a successful 24/7 MHCAS in Highgate, providing a calm and therapeutic alternative to A&E for people in crisis. We are also planning to open a further service later this year, building on this model and expanding access to timely support.

By setting out a single, shared blueprint, London is moving away from a patchwork of local approaches towards a more consistent offer that frontline partners – including the police, ambulance service and local authorities – can rely on.

The model has been developed collaboratively with NHS partners, local authorities and emergency services, and co‑produced with people with lived experience of mental health crisis.

You can read more in HSJ’s coverage: https://www.hsj.co.uk/mental-health/region-declares-bid-to-eliminate-aande-mental-health-waits/7041671.article

If you need urgent help for your mental health Get help from 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option.