Mental Health Team celebrates success
Date of release: 11 July 2024
A mental health team providing patient care across Walsall and Wolverhampton has been recognised for the “gold standard” service it provides.
Mental Health Team
A report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the Older Adults Mental Health Team, which is employed by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), to be fully compliant and not required to complete any actions, following an inspection. The compliance means both Trusts can safely care for patients under the Mental Health Act.
The team has a focus on those with delirium/dementia and complex patients and offers mental health support and guidance to the wider Trusts when required. There are two parts to the service –mental health all ages and older adults.
It works with patients, their loved ones and carers, Trusts’ security staff, all stakeholders including social care and the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to provide specialist care. It also provides training to staff, including both Trusts’ Boards, in dealing with mental health patients.
A celebration lunch was held to recognise the 16-strong team, which was joined by Caroline Walker, interim Group Chief Executive, and Dr Manjeet Shehmar, Chief Medical Officer at Walsall Healthcare.
“I’m really pleased to be able to celebrate what is a great achievement to have this service validated externally with these results,” said Ms Walker.
“A lot of work has been carried out and improvements made for people with mental health problems.
“This is team-based multi professionals working together which is the gold standard and that’s what is happening here.
“You don’t get recognition like this without doing it as a team so I would say a huge thank you on behalf of the patients and the Executive Team. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
Dr Shehmar added: “This is a hugely proud moment for us all. This is the team that never stops – you all work over and above and that is recognised throughout the Trusts because people tell us and you’re so visible.
“You treat each patient as your own loved one and your support and kindness has made a huge difference. Thank you.”
Led by Jodie Kirby-Owens, Head of Nursing for Mental Health at both Trusts, the team comprises 11 Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs) – including two at RWT – two Administrators, two Mental Health Act Administrators and one Governance Manager. The team has increased from six when Jodie joined it in 2020, since when it has expanded to cover RWT.
“We have a really special team and staff complement each other. The team fiercely advocates the patient and there’s not a day goes by where a decision on a patient doesn’t involve a loved one.”
The team supports with education and training for younger patients and works with the multi-disciplinary team to care for them, as well as providing assessments on older adults.
ENDS
- For further information, please call Tim Nash on 07714 741097 or email tim.nash2@nhs.net
