Mental health team shortlisted in GP awards
A mental health team has been shortlisted for an award for its work in GP surgeries in West Norfolk.
The Primary Care Based Mental Health Practitioners Team in Swaffham and Downham Market Primary Care Network is up against teams from three other Trusts in the Clinical Improvement Award: Mental Health category in the General Practice Awards, 2026.
The team works within the seven local GP surgeries to offer mental health support and signposting as a first point of contact in the community.
Over the last 12-18 months, the team has introduced a new referral and screening process, reducing waiting times for initial contact and improving access to mental health support.
Lead Mental Health Practitioner Reef Stingemore said: “Originally, we had appointment ledgers open directly to the GP surgeries we covered. Those appointments could become booked up several weeks in advance, meaning someone contacting their GP because they were struggling with their mental health might sometimes wait four, five or even six weeks before seeing one of us.
“We have since moved to a screening model, which was introduced by Adam Smith, our Primary Care Clinical and Operational Lead, so when someone contacts their GP about their mental health, reception staff can refer them to the PCN care navigators, who book them into one of our screening calls.
“Most people referred to us in this way have been offered a screening call within a week, or within two weeks at the latest. I think that is a significant improvement in how quickly people can access appropriate mental health support.”
He said this had meant people would get the right service at the first point of contact, rather than everybody automatically waiting for a full mental health assessment.
“Where someone is clearly low risk and would be better supported by another service, such as Talking Therapies, the care navigators may be able to direct them there. Where their needs are more complex or unclear, they can be booked with us for screening. We can then establish whether they need a full assessment or follow-up from our team, or whether another service would be more appropriate,” said Reef.
Cathy Gale, who is also a Lead Mental Health Practitioner, said the aim was to be more inclusive for people living in outlying communities.
“It means people in rural areas are not disadvantaged when it comes to accessing mental health help. If somebody needs their leg ulcer dressed, they don't have to go to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, it can be done at the GP surgery. It was very much felt that mental health should be the same. Getting a quick service locally is really important for patients.”
Alongside improving access to mental health support, the team has also helped more than 1,400 patients access ADHD and ASD assessment and diagnostic pathways since 2024.
The team, which also includes Mental Health Practitioners Louise Woollven, Cristel Hoskins and Victoria Shropshire, is proud to have been nominated and shortlisted.
Louise Woollven said: "We're incredibly proud to have been shortlisted. It's a supportive team that cares deeply about the people we serve, and it's wonderful to know that others recognise the difference the team is making."
Dr Faisil Sethi, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at NSFT, said: “We are incredibly proud of the team and this well-deserved recognition. Their work demonstrates the value of strong partnerships between primary care and mental health services, helping people access the right support earlier and closer to home.”
More than 300 entries were submitted across 22 categories. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 4 December.