7 September 2020

CNWL has launched a new model of care or way or working that will make it easier for patients to get joined-up mental health care in their communities, through their GPs.

Over the past year teams Westminster and Harrow have worked hard, and closely with local stakeholders – GPs, local authorities, service users, carers and the voluntary sector, to create this new model, using feedback and input from service users.

In 2019 CNWL was successful in securing funding NHSE, to become an early implementor of the national community mental health framework. It is part of the NHS’ Long Term Plan to develop new and integrated models of primary and community mental health care, so patients can have greater choice and control over their care.

Under the new model we’ve created integrated and local Community Mental Health hubs, which have community resources working as one team centred around local Primary Care Networks to deliver care based on the needs of the population.

The model is set up to promote simple routes for GPs to obtain mental health advice and support for patients, as well as senior-fronted triage to make sure patients get to the right person first time. This closer working with local GPs will help to share learning, improve communication and avoid siloed care.

This will better the lives for our patients by:

  • Helping service users access/receive mental health treatment faster when required, preventing relapse
  • Ensure care is more personalised as service is tailored to local need of the population
  • Increasing the consistency of care
  • Making the process to get help simple with no need to repeat their story 

The additional funding has also been used to fund new and innovative roles like Lived Experience Practitioners, Graduate Mental Health Workers and Community Navigators in, addition to a range of new roles to help support patients with Eating Disorders, people with a diagnosis of Personality Disorder, and those transitioning from CAMHS services.

The new model aims to bolster relationships between the Trust and local community services, helping service users to make the most of the wide range of community assets available to them.

The Trust has also recruited a Community Partnerships Lead who will help ensure this happens.

To further support the joined-up community approach and maximise what is out there, CNWL has also partnered with our local voluntary care sector organisations to introduce Social Prescribers, as well as provide additional support to our homeless and Somalian populations.

This is the beginning of an exciting journey where care is joined up and centred around the service user to help them achieve the best outcomes and enjoy their lives.