7 April 2020

CNWL will be launching an additional CAMHS Mental Health Emergency Assessment service as part of our 24/7 crisis offer. Based at Northwick Park Hospital, it will divert Children and Young People (CYP) from A&E as part of our Covid-19 response . The service will cover the boroughs of Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster.

It will be operational from Wednesday 8 April.

·      The service will provide emergency MH assessments, diverting CYP from A&E, signposting as appropriate through existing pathways, and providing a maximum 24 hour stay for patients who may require it. 

  • This will include a 24/7 CAMHS triage process, which will be carried out at point of referral,  Covid-19 and catchment screening by CAMHS practitioners, who will signpost to relevant pathways as needed. 
  • ​CYP without medical need will be assessed away from A&E, either by the relevant CAMHS team during day time or by the new CAMHS Emergency Assessment team at the Northwick Park suite.
  • Any CYP with a medical need will be assessed in A&E by existing CAMHS Urgent Care service which operates 24/7.
  • ​Where CYP are unable to be discharged after assessment because of their mental health needs, they will remain in the suite for a maximum of 24 hours. Placement breakdown or social care issues will not be sufficient need to remain in the suite for 24 hours​. 
  • For non-CNWL/out of area CYP the onsite UCT team will link with relevant locality services and partners to support diversion of the CYP from A&E appropriately.
  • The process for CYP who arrive on Section 136 remains unchanged.

​​

Jackie Shaw and Dr Frances Connan