Mental Health Staff To Work In Ambulances And 999 Call Centres To Ease Crisis Situations

As demand for emergency care increases, mental health nurses and psychiatrists will be recruited into 999 ambulances and call centres.

The move, which was announced as part of the NHS Winter Plan in October and is now being implemented, will mean that if someone seeks help with a mental health crisis, they will have access to a specialist faster.

According to NHS England, dozens of other mental health professionals will work in emergency control centers and accompany paramedics on emergency calls.

Evidence from trusts already trialling the scheme has shown the move could reduce the number of patients in mental health crisis requiring urgent care.

Because demand for crisis mental health services has doubled since 2017.

And it has increased by a third since the pandemic began.

About 200,000 people call the 24-hour crisis line each month, and state crisis services receive about 90,000 calls each month.

Clare Murdoch, national director of mental health at NHS England, said: "Getting help quickly for people suffering from mental health crises is vital and will be even more important in the coming months as the NHS battles a perfect storm of winter viral infections. The highest. fastest-growing. on ambulances. with continuous pressure.

“The opening of the NHS 24-hour crisis helpline is helping twice as many people in mental health crisis than five years ago, meaning thousands of people are getting the help they need without having to call emergency services. the room

“The NHS has planned more carefully for its busiest winter, including training mental health professionals to respond to 999 calls and accompanying paramedics to the scene for home care.

"If you're struggling with your mental health, get help from the NHS: you can connect online to our world-leading talking therapy service or, if you're in crisis, you can call your local 24-hour weekday helpline." 7"

The NHS plans to roll out around 100 dedicated ambulances across the country over the next three years.

Commenting on the announcement, Sophie Carlett, interim chief executive of mental health charity Mind, said: "The problem. Emergency departments are already under enormous pressure as winter sets in.

“When people experience a mental health crisis, they need immediate treatment and support. Helping our NHS reduce these pressures by providing immediate access to a mental health professional in person or over the phone will help many people access the type of care they need sooner.

Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: "Crisis services can be vital for many people who are suffering and can help ensure they are seen and treated as soon as possible, so it's great that they are getting more personal mental health support." Professionals in these stressful times.

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