9 November 2020

The rapid response function was previously provided by the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams (CRHTT).

Why are we introducing First Response Team?

Following a staff consultation in July and ongoing review of our teams and services, as well as learning from other parts of the country and national recommendations, we have moved to separating the rapid response function from CRHTT.

This allows Home Treatment Teams to deliver their core functions, namely home treatments and facilitating early discharges, and return to their core fidelity model.

 

What do First Response Teams do?

First responders will respond to urgent requests for mental health assessment in the community and at A&E, to determine the next best step for someone who is in need of urgent mental health attention or in crisis.

They will advocate on behalf of the patient and their family, provide them with options and agree on the next best course of action in the interest of the patient.

They can signpost patients to support in the community, refer them to the Coves (see https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/coves).

Home Treatment Teams or other statutory services. They can also recommend a hospital admission if needed.

Ade Odunlade, the Managing Director for Jameson Division, said:

“We have formally launched our five First Response Teams across North West London boroughs (Westminster, Kensington, Harrow, Brent and Hillingdon).

“They are made up of our brilliant, experienced mental health nurses who are based in the community ready to provide rapid assessments to patients who need it, 24 hours a day.

“This is a move towards providing 24/7, 365 days a year adult crisis care response in the community so that care can be provided closer to home and unnecessary hospital admissions avoided.”