New Mental Health Response Vehicles Transform Crisis Care Across Hertfordshire and West Essex

A new fleet of specialist Mental Health Response Vehicles (MHRVs) is now on the roads, offering a lifeline to people in crisis and transforming how emergency mental health care is delivered across the area.

Launched in March, the initiative is a collaboration between the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT), and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). The vehicles are staffed by a paramedic with enhanced mental health training and a registered mental health practitioner, providing expert care directly at the scene.

The MHRVs operate seven days a week during peak hours (2:00 PM to 2:00 AM), aiming to reduce unnecessary trips to A&E and deliver compassionate, specialist support in a more calming environment.

Liz Ip Piang Siong, EEAST’s Clinical Lead for Mental Health, said:

“Clinical settings aren’t always the best place for someone in mental health crisis.

“These vehicles are designed to provide care where it’s needed most—at home or in the community—helping people feel safe and supported.”

The vehicles are equipped to handle both mental health emergencies and physical health needs, ensuring holistic care. This approach has already made a significant impact, with families praising the teams for their empathy and professionalism.

“You were so patient, calm, and kind,” said one family member. “You made her feel safe at a time when she could have felt very confused and frightened.”

Karen Taylor, Chief Executive at Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners to provide this new service to enhance the support we provide for those in mental health crisis, closer to home.”

Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive Officer of Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB which has commissioned the new service said:

“Providing better care for people when they are experiencing a mental health crisis is one of our five biggest priorities for the residents of Hertfordshire and west Essex.  The introduction of these emergency response vehicles, which take expert staff directly to patients in need, will help to make sure that patients receive the right care as swiftly as possible.

“Emergency response vehicles are just one of the ways in which we’re supporting people with mental ill health to receive the support they need promptly and in settings that promote recovery.  This initiative is part of this approach, alongside other innovations such as the Mental Health Crisis hub that opened on the Lister Hospital site last year.   We are committed to developing pathways of care – for physical and mental health- that reduce avoidable journeys to A&E departments for all our patients.  We’re really looking forward to seeing the new crews on the road, responding to calls and making a difference for patients, their families and carers across Hertfordshire and west Essex.”

Rosie Meadows, a Mental Health Advanced Practitioner (RMN) with Hertfordshire and West Essex Mental Health Team, said:

"I feel incredibly proud to be part of the Mental Health Response Vehicle and the work we’re doing to support people in crisis access the right care from the right person. It’s a privilege to work alongside such committed partners, bringing compassionate care to those who need it most."

Access to the service is available through traditional emergency pathways, including 999.