News

We were delighted to welcome Rebecca Gray, director of the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network, to our award-winning Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service this week (MHCAS).

The tour was led by Dr James Dove, clinical lead for pan-London Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) steering group tasked with standardising our MHCAS model pan-London, with NHSE support.

James went into detail about our pioneering model, the first of its kind, which ensures patients are getting good quality crisis assessment and treatment 24/7, working alongside and as an alternative to A&Es to provide a front door for people in mental health crisis.

The existence and success of MHCAS helps take some pressure off A&E departments, as patients presenting in mental health crisis, but without any additional needs for physical care at the time, can be re-routed to our team of dedicated professionals for an assessment, and then we can work with our mental health wards and those at neighbouring trusts on finding a bed for them.

Rebecca had a chance to speak with some of the staff working at MHCAS to find out more about what they do in their day-to-day roles as part of the team delivering this vital service.

“It was a real pleasure and privilege to tour the trust’s MHCAS and see first-hand the difference it is making at the front end of mental health care, offering innovative solutions to local patients in mental health crisis and often helping them to avoid acute A&E attendance and admission where appropriate.”

— Rebecca Gray, mental health director, NHS Confederation