NHS links: Achievements of a scheme between one London mental health trust and Uganda

Abstract

This paper describes a link between a mental health trust (the East London FoundationTrust (ELFT)) in the UK and mental health services in Uganda which has developed since 2004. The aim of the link was to help support the development of mental health services in Uganda by establishing an educational partnership. During the first 3 years, nine staff from ELFT and nine staff from Butabika, from a variety of disciplines, have made short-term exchange visits. Evaluation of the link has demonstrated that benefits have been experienced in both London and Uganda. Such links can provide one way of strategically supporting and strengthening existing health services in low- and middle-income countries.