19/06/2020
The York crisis home treatment team has once again been accredited as providing an excellent service by the Royal College of Psychiatrists Home Treatment Accreditation Scheme (HTAS).
The team which first received accreditation in 2016, recently had this extended for a further three years in recognition of the high quality service they provide to local adults experiencing acute mental distress and their carers.
Described by assessors as cohesive, supportive and honest, the team were commended for involving patients and carers in service improvements, particularly with regards to staff training.
The review team were also impressed with medicine cards and crisis plans created by the team, which are now used in the trust’s adult crisis services in County Durham, Teesside and most of North Yorkshire. They also commented on positive working relationships with inpatient wards and other community services, referencing the high level of support the team provide colleagues around complex cases.
Service user and carer feedback was exceptional, with individuals describing staff as first-class, uplifting and professional; one individual saying they were “very impressed with the various nurses who visited and the service from the team as a whole.”
The rigorous assessment process, which took place over a period of six months, looked closely at the service the team provide, from initial involvement through to patient transfers or discharge. This included self and peer reviews based on questionnaire responses, record reviews and documentation including policies, protocols and procedures.
Our staff said…
Helen Embleton, urgent care pathways lead at the trust, said: “Crisis services across TEWV have been focussing on delivering quality improvements that will enhance patient centred care and transform local services. Achieving this accreditation is a real testament to the team’s hard work, dedication and commitment to developing a ‘fit for the future’ crisis service which meets the diverse needs of local people.”
Vicky Ellis, team manager, said: “I am immensely proud of this achievement and of the team who work tirelessly to ensure their service users receive high quality interventions in a home environment; avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions. Their involvement in quality improvements, including work to introduce a 24 hour single point of access crisis phone line, is making it easier for local people in mental distress to access appropriate support and is helping to improve outcomes for individuals and their families. I am delighted that their efforts continue to be recognised and rewarded.”