Bridging The Gap Between Mental and Physical Health

Ealing team shortlisted for patient safety award

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An Ealing based mental health team who intervened to help a man with dangerously high blood pressure has been shortlisted for a patient safety award.

The crisis assessment and treatment team at West London Mental Health Trust has been recognised for helping people experiencing mental health problems to access physical healthcare.

The team supports patients with a range of physical issues such as allergies, diet, smoking cessation, prostate/mammogram screenings, sexual health and blood sugar testing.

People with mental health issues are much more likely than others to suffer from physical health problems and are often too unwell to recognise symptoms in themselves. The team provide a vital service identifying a range of serious physical health problems in their patients. One gentleman found to have dangerously high blood pressure was immediately started on anti-hypertensive medication after being seen at the clinic, potentially preventing him from going on to have a stroke or heart attack.

Puja Sahai, lead nurse who helped to manage and develop the clinic, said: “We’re delighted to have been nominated for a Patient Safety Award. The support and the dedication that we have received from our team and others in the trust has been immeasurable, and it has been great to work collaboratively and provide a holistic approach to care.”

Beverley Murphy, the trust’s director of nursing and patient experience, said: “I am extremely pleased that the crisis assessment and treatment team are getting the recognition they deserve. Mental and physical health problems are so closely interlinked, and the team are doing vital work to reduce health inequalities in mental health patients.”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday 5 July 2016.

31st May 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

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