Service innovations: Redesigning a community mental health team

Abstract

Aims and method: We describe the redesign of a community mental health team in Lanarkshire (the focused intervention team for Bellshill). Their remit is to provide focused, time-limited therapeutic intervention for patients with mild-to-moderate mental health problems. Results: The red esign involved a closer working relationship with the psychiatrist, establishing a concurrent community psychiatric nurse/psychiatric clinic, recategorisation of 'soon'and routine referrals to the team, opt-in letters and the introduction of new assessment formats. Clinical implications: These measures combined to provide a shorter waiting list, increased joint working and management plans for patients. Team functioning and morale improved.