Hospital chosen for pioneering partnership work
The Great Western Hospital is working in partnership with the region’s mental health provider to help improve care for people who arrive at the emergency department while in an episode of crisis.
NHS Confederation selected the Swindon hospital and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust as one of 12 new pioneering partnerships that have been established across the country.
Around 15 per cent of people who attend the emergency department in Swindon have an existing mental health condition, or experience mental health crisis.
Admissions for mental health conditions in under 18s across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, as well as admissions for those who intentionally self-harm, are also consistently and significantly higher than the national average.
Many of these patients have complex physical, mental health and social care needs, which require a multi-disciplinary approach to care, to ensure their needs are met.
The new partnership will look at improving overall patient experience, as well as the waiting time for assessments, referrals or further community-based care.
Luisa Goddard, Chief Nurse, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are so pleased to have been chosen to work with colleagues at AWP and NHS Confederation to improve care for this cohort of patients.
“Our collaborative working and close relationship with other acute hospitals in the region, and mental health providers, was a key factor for why we were chosen by NHS Confederation, with this being a great example of how joined-up compassionate care truly helps our patients.”
Mathew Page, Chief Operating Officer, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Ensuring that people receive mental health support in the right place at the right time is not just a priority, it’s a responsibility we all share.
“Being selected as one of the first cohorts nationally to take part in the mental health transformation programme is a testament to the strength of our collaboration and our shared commitment to improving care for patients presenting with mental health needs.”
Practitioners from NHS Confederation will now work with urgent and emergency care, operational and mental health teams from both trusts to take forward the transformation of care programme.