Primary Care Mental Health Practitioners (PCMHPs) are now successfully embedded within general practice settings across Lincolnshire. These roles are already making a significant difference by providing timely, holistic mental health care for people who need guided support, but who do not require ongoing specialist care.
Offering a range of services
PCMHP’s are based in GP surgeries or neighbourhood settings and offer a range of services, including holistic assessments, early intervention, advice, and referrals to other services while acting as a ‘bridge’ between GPs and specialist mental health services. They provide GPs and other primary care staff with timely support and advice, help relieve pressure on workloads and build stronger relationships with mental health services.
Helping to improve the quality of care for patients
Dr Sadie Aubrey, PCN Clinical Director and GP in Lincolnshire:
“Being able to offer patients a conversation with a Mental Health Practitioner as part of our primary care team has definitely improved patient outcomes. It means that people with complex mental health needs can get personalised, evidence-based advice, support and treatment, closer to home, without a long, anxious wait. Many people with mental health needs can struggle to get help and can slip through the gaps across services, and this role really helps with that. Our Mental Health Practitioners are a really valuable part of our team, helping to improve the quality of care for patients experiencing difficulties with their mental health.”
Sharing user experiences
Simon Hallam, a local service user, shared:
“I can’t believe how much access to mental health services has changed from my previous experience. Before, when I asked for help, I had to wait and see, but now, I visit my GP practice. I can see a mental health practitioner who sits and listens to me, understands what is important to me and arranges for me to see the best person for my needs within a much shorter time than I had experienced before.”
Supporting people to love well in their communities
The primary care mental health practitioner role aligns with the ambition to develop integrated primary and community mental health services, supporting adults and older people with severe mental illness to live well in their communities. They represent an important step towards the vision of “right care, right place, right time”.
Primary Care, Communities and Social Value – Lincolnshire ICB.