Manchester’s mental health patients could soon be receiving better care and support as an expansion of a psychiatric liaison initiative has taken place at North Manchester General Hospital.
The initiative, called RAID (Rapid Assessment Interface and Discharge), involves health experts who work alongside hospital colleagues to support people with mental health problems.
Their specific role is to assess people who are over 18, who are in hospital due physical health matters and may need assisting and support with their mental health.
The RAID team, which is run by the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, also ensure that mental health patients get quick and efficient aid as well as try to limit any problems from escalating.
Claire Warhurst, Team Manager for RAID at Pennine Care, said: “The RAID service has many benefits – it supports hospital staff to ensure that people can be safely discharged from hospital more quickly.
“It also reduces demand on A&E and other hospital services, and improves people’s experience of the NHS and their overall health and wellbeing.”
RAID members already commit themselves to hospitals such as The Royal Oldham Hospital, Fairfield General Hospital, Tameside General Hospital and Stepping Hill Hospital.
And thanks to funding from the North Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group they have moved to North Manchester General.
“We’re really pleased the service has been so successful in other areas,” added Claire.
“This has allowed us to expand into North Manchester General.
“The feedback we have received staff and patients on the wards there has been very positive.”
RAID will work in connection with the mental health liaison service already provided by Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust.
And four nurses already working at the hospital have managed to help 80 patients to date.
Steve Taylor, Divisional Director for Medicine and Community Services at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Both patients and clinical staff in our hospitals are benefiting greatly from the mental health support provided through the psychiatry liaison service.
“Many patients in hospital experience mental health issues and this newly introduced service is helping patients get the support they need promptly.
“As part of this service, the hospital teams are being educated and trained on how best to assess, treat and care for patients with mental health issues.”
“This is a very good example of local health professionals from differing specialities working together to improve services and better meet the needs of patients.”
Image via Pennine Care, with thanks
