London sets out blueprint to reduce A&E mental health waits | News
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London sets out blueprint to reduce A&E mental health waits
North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), working in partnership with organisations across the capital, are leading a shared plan to reduce, and where possible prevent, people experiencing a mental health crisis from attending A&E.
At the centre of this work is a London‑wide blueprint for Mental Health Crisis Assessment Services (MHCAS), being developed by NLFT and CNWL with support from mental health providers across the city.
The model recognises that A&E is not always the most appropriate setting for someone in mental health crisis. People can face long waits, overstimulating environments and delays in accessing specialist support. Instead, 24/7 MHCAS centres provide rapid assessment, immediate support and clear next steps – and, where someone is physically well, can remove the need for an A&E visit altogether.
NLFT already run a successful 24/7 MHCAS in Highgate, providing a calm and therapeutic alternative to A&E for people in crisis and are also planning to open a further service later this year, building on this model and expanding access to timely support.
By setting out a single, shared blueprint, London is moving away from a patchwork of local approaches towards a more consistent offer that frontline partners – including the police, ambulance service and local authorities – can rely on.
The model has been developed collaboratively with NHS partners, local authorities and emergency services, and co‑produced with people with lived experience of mental health crisis.
You can read more in HSJ’s coverage: https://www.hsj.co.uk/mental-health/region-declares-bid-to-eliminate-aande-mental-health-waits/7041671.article