The NHS Long Term Plan (published January 2019) made a commitment that mental health services would grow faster than the overall NHS budget and that there would be local investment secured for mental health. This money would enable more services to be introduced and faster access to community and crisis mental health services for adults.
In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland we want to deliver on that commitment. Over the next four years, we would enhance the existing mental health crisis services so it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes:
- enabling people and families to self-refer to services
- investing in around-the-clock intensive home treatment services, so people can be cared for at home instead of in hospital
- no restrictions on older adults accessing crisis services
We want to improve access to crisis care, whether that is providing services in communities, people’s homes, emergency departments, inpatient services or transport by ambulance.
