We are proud to announce that the psychiatric liaison nursing team at NHS Lanarkshire has been awarded the Collaboration Award at the 2024 Staff Awards, in recognition of their exceptional work in transforming mental health crisis care and their outstanding partnerships with emergency services.
The psychiatric liaison nursing team has redefined how mental health emergencies are handled, particularly in collaboration with Police Scotland, NHS 24, and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Their pioneering efforts have had a profound impact on reducing mental health-related presentations in A&E, achieving an impressive 81.45% reduction in cases brought in by police between 2021 and 2023.
Lynn Wyllie, nurse team lead, said: “This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in healthcare. Our team is incredibly proud of the work we’ve done alongside our partners in emergency services to ensure that individuals in mental health crises receive the right care at the right time. It’s been a privilege to be part of a service that is truly making a difference.”
The team’s journey began in 2018 with the launch of a community triage service that operates 24/7, offering critical support to patients experiencing potential mental health crises. By 2021, the team had taken their commitment further by introducing a ‘test of change’ initiative that allowed police to bypass A&E altogether if there was no acute medical need, providing patients with direct access to mental health assessments outside of the busy emergency department. This innovative approach ensures that those in crisis receive timely, compassionate care without unnecessary delays or added stress.
The success of this model has not only improved patient outcomes in Lanarkshire but has also caught the attention of national bodies, including Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish Government. Talks are underway to explore how this service could be expanded across other health boards, with the potential to transform mental health crisis care throughout Scotland.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions and their commitment to collaboration, the psychiatric liaison nursing team also received two major external awards in 2023: the Chief Constable’s Excellence Award for Policing Partner of the Year and Regional Outstanding External Partner of the Year.
The psychiatric liaison nursing team’s dedication to creating safer, more effective outcomes for those in mental health crises is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through partnership and patient-centred care. Their ongoing innovation and collaborative spirit have rightfully earned them the Collaboration Award, acknowledging the profound difference they continue to make in the lives of patients and emergency service teams alike.
