Successful integrated triage project rolled out
An innovative integrated referral initiative which is making sure patients with common mental health issues receive help more quickly is being rolled out across Norfolk and Waveney following a successful pilot.
The collaborative scheme sees staff from Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney, which is provided by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) in partnership with Relate and Mind, give additional training to care navigators, admin and reception staff working in primary care.
This allows them to refer suitable patients directly to Wellbeing rather than arranging a GP appointment first.
The initiative initially launched last August in five practices, but has proved such a success that it has now been rolled out to 17 surgeries. The aim is to eventually reach all 90 across Norfolk and Waveney.
So far, Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney has accepted more than 90% of the referrals made by GP staff – the equivalent of nearly 1,600 patients – which indicates the vast majority would benefit from Wellbeing support.
Liza Pepper, Deputy Service Manager – Triage & Interface with Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney, said: “We are delighted with the success of this project, which is not only helping patients to get the support they need more quickly but is also freeing up appointments and saving GP time
“We contact the patient to book an assessment, follow up treatment or signposting within 24 hours of receiving the referral. This also opens up a host of other resources to them, such as our free weekly webinars or online CBT, which can help while they wait to begin treatment.
“All of this means we are able to reach people at an earlier stage before their symptoms worsen, which not only helps them to recover more quickly but also reduces the chance they will need further support in the future.”
Dr Emily Clark, a GP with Wensum Valley Medical Practice, said: “This initiative has supported people to engage with the Wellbeing Service by removing the extra step of them self-referring.
“It has been beneficial for administrative staff who have increased their confidence to signpost appropriate patients and has improved our communication and working relationship with Wellbeing.”