Healthwatch Wandsworth appeal for people in Wandsworth to share their experiences of accessing health and care during coronavirus.

“Innovative and inspirational” is how the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has described SWLSTG’s new Orchid Emergency Mental Health Service, which was set up in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This week is Carers Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. The 2020 Theme of Carers Week is ‘Make Caring Visible’ and we have produced a toolkit of digital assets in line with the national campaign to support carers and those around them during the week. 

In line with national guidance, the Trust is pleased to be able to confirm that visitors are now being allowed back into ward environments from 6 June 2020.

Following the publication of the Public Health England review into the Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19, and recent events in the United States, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust would like to emphasise our strong commitment to equity, inclusivity and equality in the way we care for our patients, our service users, our staff and our community.

As a Trust we really value your feedback.  What you tell us about our services helps us shape our future care.

If you are service user with one of our Community Teams you may have received a letter from the Trust informing you of the CQC Community Survey that is currently being run.  The survey is based on an anonymous sample size, selected independently, so not everyone will receive one so please don’t worry if you have haven’t had one sent to you.

A specialist Mental Health Emergency service delivered by South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been hailed a success after it emerged that, since opening on 30 March, over 320 people had been assessed and successfully treated.

With national Mental Health Awareness Week in full swing, the NHS is reminding people of all ages in south west London that, during these difficult times, it’s important to recognise that it’s ok to not be ok, and that mental health services are open and accessible to anyone who is struggling or needs support

We know that Covid-19 and lockdown are having an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people of all ages. 

This is an issue not only for individuals but also for families and carers.

This series of three free webinars has been developed jointly by people with lived experience of family caring, BASW, the RCN and RCPsych.

As a Trust, our top priority remains the safety of our patients and staff, and as part of our response to Covid-19 we are working with NHS England, the SWL Integrated Care System and our staff and service users to ensure that we are in line with Government guidance.

Following guidance published on 31 March 2020 from the Secretary of State, construction work on our new mental health facilities has now recommenced at Springfield Hospital.

This means that work will continue as originally planned. This includes the closure of a section of road outside Building 15 for six months, restricting access to the site via the Burntwood Lane entrance.

As part of the Trust’s response to Covid-19, the Recovery College has temporarily suspended all face-to-face courses. To support our students during this period we have launched a new assisted home learning service.

South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust sets up innovative 24/7 mental health emergency departments for patients in crisis during the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. 

In line with latest guidance published on 31 March 2020 from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to the construction sector), construction works on the Springfield Hospital site will start again on 1 April 2020.

It is an extremely difficult and challenging time for the NHS and we appreciate the on-going uncertainty will lead to increased anxiety for many of our service users and carers.