Great Western Hospitals chosen for major transformation of care for patients presenting with mental health

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been selected by NHS Confederation as one of just 12 new partnerships across the country to improve the care for patients presenting to the Emergency Department in mental health crisis.

Around 15 per cent of people who attend the Emergency Department in Swindon have an existing mental health condition, or experience mental health crisis.

Hospital admissions for mental health conditions in under 18s across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, and 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, alongside Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and NHS Confederation, will address how the Trust can better support patients with their mental health, ensuring they have an improved hospital experience, don’t wait as long for assessments or referrals and are able to access the resources they need in the community.

Luisa Goddard, Chief Nurse at 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, and this this a great example of how joined-up compassionate care truly helps our patients.”

Chief Operating Officer at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Mathew Page, added: "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. Our partnership with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been instrumental in driving forward this vision.

“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. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a more responsive, compassionate, and effective system of care."

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.