Our Access and Assessment Service is designed to make it easier for individuals over the age of 25 who are registered with a GP in Suffolk to get the right mental health service as quickly as possible. GPs and other referrers can call one number and we screen the referral, complete assessments of people’s mental health needs and refer to an appropriate team where indicated or signpost the person to services and resources which may be able to support them in addressing their mental health or emotional wellbeing needs.

We accept referrals when:

• A GP or other health or social care professional has contact with a person who consents to an assessment by the service of their emotional or mental health needs where these are causing concern.
• Advice and guidance regarding medications or interventions for mental health needs is required.
  

​Under 25s

If you are a person under 25, or acting on behalf of a person under 25, you can contact the Emotional Wellbeing Hub who will be able to assist you. Please visit their website for more information and details of how to refer - click here​. ​

The team will work on the principles that:

• The referred individual is central to all practice and assessments; outcomes and processes will all be reflective of this
• Assessments will be comprehensive and include, where possible, a holistic assessment which acknowledges views and experiences of the referred individual, their families, and carers
• Assessments will incorporate a formulation of needs and factors impacting these. They will be recovery focussed and identify the most appropriate outcomes for supporting service users in overcoming their identified difficulties.

We will ensure that GPs and other referrers receive feedback on appointment information and other follow-up actions in an appropriate and timely manner.

Referrals will be accepted by e-referral and letter.

At the point of making a referral the referrer will be required to identify if the need for assessment is:

• urgent (within 72 hours)
• or routine (within 28 days).

When the referral is screened by a Mental Health Practitioner the urgent/routine requirement will be reviewed; if there is an identified need to change this it will be discussed and agreed within the team and the referrer.

Following screening, an appointment, within the appropriate timeframe will be arranged by telephone contact.

The team will undertake assessments in a variety of ways. The decision regarding how and where assessments will be undertaken will be determined following assessment of risk; factors which will influence a person's ability to engage in the assessment will also be considered when deciding the location and method of assessment. Assessments can be undertaken:

• Through telephone calls
• Using video conferencing technology (Attend Anywhere)
• Face to face at identified NSFT community bases
• Within Service User's homes

There will be clear and timely communication of referral outcomes to service users and the referrers, as well as with the teams into which AAT refer. Cases will be passed to the appropriate clinical pathway within the appropriate Integrated Delivery Team.

Call 0300 123 1334 or by email at nmh-tr.suffolkaccessandassessmentteam@nhs.net (email for professionals only)

We provide advice and assessment on all mental health conditions for individuals who are 25 and over.

We do not provide long-term treatment but make referrals to other mental health teams following your assessment, if needed.

We can offer advice and information to family carers on general matters and, with your consent,​ can provide specific advice and support on your individual case.

Bonnie Lewis

Call 0300 123 1334​

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