The Psychiatric Liaison Nursing Team at NHS Lanarkshire has been announced as a finalist for the Staff Awards Ceremony 2024, recognised for their transformative work in mental health crisis care. Earlier this year, they were honoured with the prestigious “Policing Partner of the Year” title at both the Police Scotland Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards and the Lanarkshire Divisional Regional Excellence Awards for 2023. These accolades reflect the profound impact this team has had on reducing mental health presentations in A&E, achieving an impressive 81.45% reduction in cases brought in by police in 2023.
The team’s journey began in 2016 with a pilot weekend community triage service at Hairmyres. The pilot expanded across Lanarkshire in 2018, and by 2021, the service was operating 24/7. This vital initiative provided support to Police Scotland, British Transport Police, NHS 24, and the Scottish Ambulance Service, helping patients in potential mental health crises receive appropriate care.
In 2023, the team took their commitment to a new level by working closely with Police Scotland to address scenarios where community triage services (CTS) were not appropriate. They implemented a new process to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time without having to go through A&E. Historically, individuals suspected of having a mental health crisis were often taken to A&E, leading to long waits in an already busy department. Now, thanks to the team’s innovative approach, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service have direct access to their triage service 24/7, 365 days a year. Patients can be assessed in locality-based settings rather than A&E, ensuring timely and compassionate care without unnecessary delays.
This initiative has not only improved patient care in Lanarkshire but also attracted the attention of the Police Scotland National Mental Health Taskforce, the Scottish Police Authority, and the Scottish Government. Discussions are underway to explore how this model could be expanded across other health boards, potentially transforming mental health crisis care nationwide.
The Psychiatric Liaison Nursing Team’s dedication to collaboration, innovation, and patient-centred care has made a significant difference in the lives of those in crisis. Their work is an inspiring example of how healthcare professionals can partner with emergency services to create safer, more effective outcomes for patients. For their outstanding contributions and commitment to improving mental health care, the Psychiatric Liaison Nursing Team has been rightfully shortlisted for this award.
