Published on: 30th March 2016
A new liaison team will help patients receive appropriate assessment and support for their mental health needs at local hospital A&E departments and inpatient wards from 1 April.
The specialist mental health liaison team will work closely with doctors and nurses at the local hospitals in Lincoln County, Boston (Pilgrim), Grantham and Peterborough to ensure Lincolnshire patients with mental health needs are assessed and treated much earlier and where possible avoid admission.
Those that do require treatment in hospital will be assessed and if required the team will liaise with staff on the wards to ensure they receive comprehensive and holistic care for all their needs whilst an inpatient. When people are ready to be discharged the team will help patients to access appropriate community support and work with discharge staff at the hospitals to avoid delays.
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is working closely with local acute hospital trusts and commissioners to introduce the new liaison service. This will help both patients and staff at the hospital to effectively treat and support people with mental health problems.
Ian Jerams, Director of Operations at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:
This is a great example of how NHS Trusts can work together to improve the patient experience and utilise NHS resources effectively.
Patients will be able to get a more timely response to their mental health needs, ensuring the best outcomes for individuals, especially for older people with dementia.
