Dear GPs and colleagues,
We are writing to update you around our Adult Wellbeing service and current service delivery problems.
We have had significant staffing difficulties and have not been able to replace staff who have recently left the service. We are working hard to recruit new staff, but our low staffing capacity has unfortunately impacted on both routine waiting times and the clinical offers we have available.
There are currently extended waits for routine referrals for a primary care mental health practitioner (PCMHP) assessment. We are continuing to offer a call from triage once referrals are received to mitigate against this delay. We are aiming to maintain our priority pathway timeframes.
We have also had to temporarily postpone our group programme. By postponing groups for the next 6 months we can concentrate on the provision of PCMHP assessments and follow-ups.
We will be keeping the situation under review and will provide further updates. We will also be using our website to provide updates for referrers and patients.
As such, please bear this in mind during consultations with potential patients for referral to our services, enabling patient expectation to marry up with what we are able to offer. We hope that you understand that this is a temporary measure to make the best use of our limited resource.
As always, our IAPT team are able to accept referrals for psychological therapies for mild to moderate conditions. There is also the Recovery College to consider, who run a range of suitable mental health related courses within their term time.
We would also recommend that you look at what UOK have to offer as they have a range of support available for people struggling with their mental health. Please see the UOK website for more details.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any queries. We will be in touch as soon as the situation changes.
Many thanks,
Paula Hearne
Clinical Lead, Adult Wellbeing Service and Triage
Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service