Mental health response vehicles in Hertfordshire win NHS award

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) and Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust's (HPFT) mental health joint response vehicle initiative won the 'Transforming Lives through Partnerships' award at HPFT's annual staff awards on 26 November.

The trusts partner together to provide two vehicles in the county, each staffed by a paramedic and a HPFT mental health clinician, which can be dispatched by EEAST's control room to appropriate 999 calls. This ensures that people receive the right care quickly, often in their own homes, reducing unnecessary trips to hospital.

Since the launch of the joint response vehicles in March, the team have made a significant impact and have received positive feedback from patients and partners alike. In November alone, the team managed to treat 82% of mental health patients they saw without the need for a hospital journey.

The mental health joint response vehicles can also be dispatched to confirmed cardiac arrests, getting help to people who need it most as quickly as possible.

Lee Cattell, an EEAST paramedic who works on the vehicles and collected the award, said: "It is fantastic to receive this award from HPFT in recognition of the amazing work that this joint initiative does for mental healthcare in Hertfordshire. Having paramedics work alongside mental health clinicians means that we can provide compassionate, tailored care to suit the individual patient.

"Hospitals are often not the most appropriate place for people in a mental health crisis, so by bringing specialist care to the patient, we can avoid unnecessary journeys to A&E. This dedicated resource makes such a difference to patients' lives and I'm proud to be part of the project."

Sarah Biggs, clinical nurse specialist at Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The mental health joint response vehicle initiative shows what's possible when different parts of the health service work effectively together, providing expert care for people in mental health crisis and reducing the need for A&E visits. We're delighted that this innovative partnership has been recognised with an award."

Photo caption: The team behind the mental health joint response vehicles collect their award at HPFT's awards night. From L-R: Karen Taylor, HPFT CEO; Nicola Morris, mental health nurse; Margaret Mcloughlin, mental health nurse; Lee Cattell, EEAST paramedic; Sarah Biggs, mental health clinical nurse specialist; Sarah Betteley, HPFT chair. (Photo credit Chris Douglas Photography)