Changing Minds (NHS Northamptonshire)
The Wellbeing Service is an easily accessible, socially inclusive service for people with common mental health problems.
We offer a wide range of support and evidence based interventions to a diverse population based on a Stepped Care Model (NICE 2007).
Local evidence estimates that around 6,000 people a year in Northamptonshire need psychological and emotional support at primary care level.
Previously, many people experiencing distress were unable to access help as they did not meet the criteria for specialist mental health services. We now have a Wellbeing Worker in 84 GP practices in the county. We offer support, early intervention and self management techniques that will help prevent relapse and reduce the number of inappropriate referrals to secondary care.
We are also working with the coronary care ward and A&E department to pilot a project to reduce the number of admissions and attendances of people who are experiencing medically unexplained symptoms caused by health anxiety and distress.
We are an inclusive and exemplary employer – 1/3rd of our workforce has experienced mental distress and recovery. Staff receive specialised training and are supported by continued learning and supervision through weekly clinical action learning sets, one to one supervision and a Wellbeing Training Curriculum. Morale is high and sickness rates are lower than the national average for NHS staff (Boorman report 2010)
More recently, the referral process has expanded and now includes three new, self-referral pilots working with community pharmacists and job centres; plus a confidential self referral scheme for PCT employees who have symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In the first year we saw 4,500 people. We are continuing to expand and our outcomes have consistently shown recovery rates above the national average. We have reduced prescribing of anti-depressants, better managed the needs of people with long term conditions and medically unexplained symptoms and reduced hospital admissions.
Contact Details:Jayne Scanlon on 01604 609960 / 01536 533108 or jayne.scanlon@northants.nhs.uk
