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Listen
Approaches to Delivery
Wider quality of service and service user outcome considerations must apply over and above delivering on the target outcomes listed, which in themselves are quality based. In organising crisis prevention, intervention, recovery services and approaches agency partners are invited to consider and adopt the following minimum functions
Mental Health Crisis Services should:
1. Be predominantly community based;
2. Consider referrals from all sources, including self referrals, those from the Police, Social Work, Community Psychiatric Nurse, GP etc;
3. Have prompt access (including direct referrals) to inpatient NHS care when required;
4. Address health and social support needs including medication management;
5. Offer safe alternatives to hospital admission;
6. Have partnership links with all other services: within the NHS, (including A&E); Local Authority (Social Work and housing); Private and Voluntary Sector agencies; the Police; and other relevant services;
7. Have agreed protocols specifying conditions/situations where referral to the crisis service would be inappropriate;
8. Provide a responsive service 24/7; (alternatively operate accessible, safe out of hours arrangements perhaps linking with an access and signposting service such as NHS/24;
9. Incorporate a telephone helpline, walk-in services, outreach and overnight care where appropriate;
10. Have operational, delivery and outcome links with the local Psychiatric Emergency Plan;
11. Provide information and support for carers for individuals in crisis. This should include information on services provided by the NHS Board and partners for carers; and
12. Have agreed protocols for information sharing and feedback.
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