Assessment unit set up to support patients in crisis during coronavirus pandemic

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has opened 24/7 assessment unit for patients in crisis during coronavirus outbreak.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has opened a temporary “phone first” crisis assessment unit to support those in the community who need urgent mental health care during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The crisis assessment unit will create a mental health alternative to hospital emergency departments for adults (including children aged 13 and over from 17 April) who have been triaged or rung ahead on a dedicated number.

Based at Maudsley Hospital outpatients department in Denmark Hill and the Ladywell unit in Lewisham, the dedicated crisis assessment unit will ensure anyone in crisis, who does not have serious physical health needs, will be able to receive specialist care from mental health professionals day or night. 

David Bradley, Chief Executive at South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, said:

These are unprecedented times and we have to act fast and find solutions to protect our vulnerable patients during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, our staff have worked tirelessly to create two dedicated crisis assessment units for our patients because it means they can access support quicker, be less at risk of being infected, or spreading the virus, and it helps give acute trusts the capacity to deal with general patients.

 We know that many of our service users are currently self-isolating at home and the circumstances we find ourselves in will adversely impact their mental health. We cannot underestimate the impact this outbreak will have on our patients and careers. It is our duty to do everything we can to support people with mental illness experiencing a crisis, which is in no doubt going to be exacerbated by concerns around coronavirus. 

We are working hard with our colleagues across the mental health sector to ensure our patients and service users, both inpatients and those receiving treatment in the community, continue to receive the care and support they need at this very challenging time. The NHS is working closer together than ever before and we have the opportunity to save peoples’ lives if we act fast and in partnership.

This unit complements other South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust services for those in the community with mental health needs. Many services have now been adapted to allow safe care to continue amidst social distancing, for example using phone, video conferencing appointments, where a face-to-face appointment is not essential. However, our dedicated staff are continuing to ensure that those people who need to be seen and support in person are. 

To read the full story, visit the South London and Maudsley website.