NHS England’s Plan for Urgent Mental Health Centres

NHS England's Plan for Urgent Mental Health Centres

NHS England is planning to open urgent mental health centres across the country over the next decade. This initiative aims to reduce crowding in accident and emergency departments (A&E) and alleviate pressure on police forces.

Pilot Programs

  • Ten hospital trusts have been testing new assessment centres for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
  • These centres provide a calm environment where patients can receive immediate care without long waits in A&E.
  • The scheme is expected to expand nationally, with dozens of locations set to open.

Accessing the Centres

  • The clinics will be available for:
    • Walk-in patients
    • Referrals from general practitioners
    • Referrals from police officers dealing with acute mental distress

Staffing and Services

  • Specialist staff, including nurses trained specifically for mental health crises, will be present when patients arrive.
  • These centres may be located in GP surgeries or community buildings.
  • Staff can refer patients to other services if necessary, avoiding the need to send them into crowded A&Es where they may face long waits for admission.

Funding Concerns

Andy Bell, chief executive officer at Centre For Mental Health, emphasized the importance of proper funding, stating:

"Any new provision needs proper funding; otherwise, it won’t make things better and might even worsen existing issues."

The success of these urgent mental health centres will depend on adequate funding and resources.

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