South Yorkshire: New mental health service launched

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT launched their new Rotherham Mental Health Hospital Liaison Service on Wednesday 1st April.

This scheme was part of a two year pilot to provide assessment, treatment and management of mental health problems to adults aged over 18 who are admitted to Rotherham Hospital.

RDaSH service director for mental health services said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Rotherham Foundation Trust in this way.”

“Physical illness can increase the risk of mental health problems, and some physical symptoms may be the result of underlying psychological conditions.”

“This highlights the importance of a joint approach to provide prompt and effective access to expert mental health care.”

The Mental Health Hospital Liaison Team is made up of psychiatrists and mental health nurses who will be based at the hospital.

They will support TRFT staff in A&E and other general wards to provide one-stop emergency specialist support to patients in mental health crisis, as well as providing in-depth mental health and risk assessments, including signposting and access to wider mental health services.

The aim of the two-year project is to improve the health and experience of patients by giving them the right treatment and care sooner, in the most appropriate setting , and potentially reduce their length of stay and likelihood of re-admission.

Tracey McErlain-Burns, chief nurse, said: “Getting the right diagnosis is really important and treating mental ill health alongside physical illness is very important.”

“Having the team on site, working in partnership with clinicians and patients, will transform care and provides a great opportunity to enhance the skills of our team.”

“This is good news for the people of Rotherham.”