The Mental Health Urgent Care Department, based on the Basildon Hospital site, provides 24 hour help seven days a week for adults aged over 18 in mid and south Essex.
It is the first unit of its kind in Essex and has helped more than 4,300 people since it opened in March 2023.
The department is led by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) and staffed by specialist doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals from EPUT, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and East of England Ambulance Service. They also work closely with community services and charities.
Staff work with patients to understand what has triggered their mental health crisis and ensure they receive the right care in the best place to meet their individual needs, whether that’s at home or in hospital.
The NHS Parliamentary Awards were created in 2018 to celebrate and recognise the outstanding contribution of staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector.
The Mental Health Urgent Care Department has won a regional award in the Excellence in Urgent and Emergency Care category, and is now shortlisted for the national awards.
This year, 318 MPs across England put forward 918 nominations for the ten award categories, which cover innovation and exceptional care across healthcare services. The nomination for the Mental Health Urgent Care Department was supported by John Baron CBE, former MP for Basildon and Billericay.
A panel of national judges – made up of notable figures across the healthcare sector – will select the national winners, who will be announced at an awards ceremony on 14 October.
Dr Milind Karale, Executive Medical Director at EPUT, said: “The team at the Mental Health Urgent Care Department provide 24/7 care for people when they are at their most vulnerable and are committed to giving their patients compassionate, high quality care.
“They have helped more than 4,300 people since launching the service 17 months ago, ensuring people get the right care for their needs and easing pressure on local emergency departments which are not always the best place for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
“Winning a regional award in the NHS Parliamentary Awards and being shortlisted for the national finals is testament to the team’s hard work and dedication to delivering excellent care.”
Dr Maneesh Rajendraprasad, Consultant Psychiatrist for the Mental Health Urgent Care Department: “I am incredibly proud to be part of the Mental Health Urgent Care Department team, where we have worked together to transform access to urgent mental health support.
“Our collective efforts have made it easier for individuals to get the help they need, especially through our walk-in service that embodies our ‘no wrong door’ philosophy.
“Our strong collaboration with local partner such as A&Es, community mental health teams, voluntary care sector organisations, ambulance service, and the police has been key to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care. Together, we are making a real difference in our community.”
The department was purpose built with input from a Patient Involvement Group, which ensured that the voices of people with personal experience of mental illness, as well as their family and friends, were equal partners with professionals when co-designing the service.
As a result, we have been able to provide a calm, safe and comfortable environment, which is an alternative to A&E departments which can be busy and noisy, adding to people’s feelings of distress.
The project received investment of more than £5m from Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System.
Matron Louise Borton said: “The department represents a crucial step forward in our approach to mental health care offering immediate, compassionate and professional support for those in crisis where individuals can receive the care they deserve without the wait and stress often associated with traditional emergency departments.
“Our goal is to ensure that no-one in our community feels alone or without options during a mental health crisis.
“We are deeply committed to this mission and are proud to work alongside a team that share this dedication.
“Our specialised team of mental health professionals is equipped to provide immediate assessments, crisis intervention and referrals to appropriate services.”
Operational Service Manager Doreen Mhone said: “As the service manager for Mental Health Urgent Care Department l am proud of the staff’s dedication and putting patients’ needs at the forefront.
“Our patients have shared feedback that shows just how much they value the compassionate care and support they receive.
“For example, one patient told us: ‘The staff at the urgent care department were very friendly and informative. They were compassionate and listened to why I was not well, they explored all treatment options and were attentive to my needs. I felt heard and understood, even when I was getting upset and struggling to get my words out’.
“This sums what we aim to do for all our patients and their feedback is helping us to continually improve our services and the care we provide.”