Have your say in mental health services review
PUBLIC’S OPINIONS WANTED
MENTAL health services are set to be improved – and people are being asked to have their say.
Gordon King, director of mental health at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Services are under pressure and the way we operate currently isn’t fit for purpose.”
He urged people to make their views known on proposed improvements set out in the Step up to Great Mental Health campaign.
The 12-week consultation ends on Sunday.
Hundreds of people have already had their say on the proposed improvements set out for consideration by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which commisions primary health services.
Mr King said: “Under the proposals, new mental health services would be more joined-up and available more locally.
“We want people to be able to access mental health services when they need them, in the right place and in a timely manner.
“These proposals will help us do that, but we don’t want to make changes without patients, service users and stakeholders having their say.
“It’s really important that people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland tell us what they think.
“This isn’t a tick box exercise. We will read and listen to all the feedback and use it to help shape our proposals for the better.”
The CCG is proposing that:
■ The number of crisis cafes would increase from three to 25
■ The crisis service would improve
■ The hours worked with the police triage car would increase, so more qualified mental health staff would
RIGHT TREATMENT: The NHS is offering – and seeking – advice be attending more incidents with the police
■ A mental health urgent care hub introduced at the beginning of the pandemic would become permanent
■ An acute mental health liaison service would be developed
■ Support for vulnerable groups, such as homeless people, would be joined up
■ More treatment and recovery services would be available close to where people live, with the creation of eight teams for adults and eight for older adults
Leicester City, Leicestershire County Cricket Club and Leicestershire & Rutland Sport have urged fans to get involved with the consultation.
To visit: complete a questionnaire,