Trust’s Emergency Mental Health service praised by the CQC

In a report on some of the best practice changes seen across the country, the CQC highlighted Orchid, and a number of other services, as examples of inspirational and innovative best practice solutions in terms of rapid changes to service design and delivery.

Since opening on 30 March, more than 400 people who would otherwise have had no alternative but to attend Accident and Emergency have been assessed and successfully treated at Orchid.

Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for Acute and Urgent Care at the Trust, Dr Sean Whyte, said: “We are extremely proud of the way that our staff have risen to the challenge to provide this innovative new service and it is fantastic to see that our hard work is recognised in this way by the CQC. Our staff are working with great dedication and commitment throughout this pandemic to ensure our community’s mental health is safe, and this pioneering service is one of the ways we are doing this.”

A screening process must take place before patients are referred to the service, to ensure any physical health problems do not require urgent medical attention. Therefore, Orchid MHES does not operate on a ‘walk-in’ basis but take referrals through the Trust’s 24/7 mental health support line on 0800 028 8000 as well as those brought in by the police or ambulance service, or on the advice of NHS111.