New mental health scheme sees reduction in A+E admissions in Oldham

A pilot scheme to improve the response of mental health services in Oldham has been hailed a success.

The scheme - launched a month ago - involving mental health professionals, police and ambulance staff has already helped 63 people in Oldham.

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust created the mental health joint response service for Oldham and Tameside to make sure people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

It involves one of Pennine Care’s mental health clinicians and a police officer jointly attending incidents, where the person is experiencing a mental health crisis. The service runs from 3pm to 1am in Oldham, which is when GMP receives the highest number of mental health crisis calls in the borough.

The clinician can assess patients at the scene to ensure every appropriate community-based care option is considered, so that A&E, or an admission to a secure section 136 suite are a last resort for those who really need it.

A section 136 suite offers a place of safety, where individuals can be assessed by mental health professionals in a safe and appropriate setting.

Nearly 1,000 people were admitted to Pennine Care’s 136 suites between April 2020 and March 2021. Following assessment, only 16% needed a hospital admission, meaning the majority could have been appropriately and safely treated by a community-based service.   

Thanks to the scheme across Oldham and Tameside, 70 patients avoided being taken to A&E and 51 avoided being taken to a section 136 suite. Only 13 patients were taken to A&E and six were taken to a 136 suite.

The remaining patients received various types of support, such as mental health advice, being directed to a 24/7 helpline, referred to their GP, or linked in with their existing care team or co-ordinator.

Pennine Care’s network director of operations Karen Maneely, spent a busy Friday night shift with the Oldham mental health joint response service to see first-hand why the scheme has already had such a positive impact. She said: “The calls came in thick and fast, and we effectively supported six patients; helping the majority to avoid A&E or a section 136 suite.

“Our first call came in immediately about a very distressed patient, with suicidal ideas. We developed a support plan allowing her to safely remain at home. The officer said he’d have brought her to A&E had we not been there.

“The second call came in as soon as we returned to the car. Again, we were able to support the patient to remain at home and he was really positive about the difference we made responding in this way.

“We faced various challenges supporting the next three patients, including linking with paramedics and army colleagues about a missing person and forcing entry to a property, with support from fire and rescue partners. Following assessment, we were able to ensure that all patients could safely remain at home, with various support packages in place.

“Our final patient claimed to have a weapon, so armed police responded to ensure it was safe for us to attend. We agreed he needed a full mental health assessment and brought him to A&E. This demonstrates the importance of keeping these services free for those who really need them.”

Greater Manchester Police's Chief Inspector for Oldham, Ric Warden, said: “The pilot scheme will enable us to offer a better service to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Working with Pennine Care clinicians and NWAS at the first response ensures that the person is given qualified mental health care from the start.  It’ll help to tackle an issue we see on a daily basis and we’re pleased to see it’s already making a real difference."

Dr Lesley Jones, Mental Health & Dementia Lead for North West Ambulance Service, said: “We thank Pennine Care and GMP for allowing us to collaborate on this initiative, showing how the Bury and Greater Manchester mental health response car can also work with NWAS to further support people who are ringing 999 with a mental health crisis.”

The pilot scheme will be evaluated when it ends on 31 March 2022. If it continues to be successful, the aim is to secure permanent funding and roll it out across Pennine Care’s other boroughs of Rochdale and Stockport.

People of any age who need mental health advice or support can phone Pennine Care’s 24/7 helpline on 0800 014 9995.

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