HEALTH experts believe better support will be given to people suffering with mental illnesses after new guidelines were created.
Worcestershire County Council’s Children’s Social Care, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust have developed a joint ‘Children’s Urgent Mental Health Care Protocol’.
This has been set up to help professionals work together to support the needs of children and young people who attend local health services in emotional or mental health crisis.
Philippa Coleman, children’s clinical services manager at Worcestershire Health and Care Trust said a ‘multi-agency approach’ would ensure issues are detected early and treated appropriately.
“This protocol will ensure consistency across the health and care system in Worcestershire which will ultimately improve the way we respond to children, young people and their families/carers when they are experiencing mental ill health,” she said.
The protocol includes two clear pathway diagrams that professionals should refer to for ‘quick and easy’ guidance on what to do and who to contact to get the right support in place.
Coun John Campion, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for children and families said: “This tool will be of great help to ensure all partners are working to the same guidelines to help vulnerable children and young people get the most appropriate support for their mental health need.
“Mental health is an increasing problem in children and young people so we need to ensure all professionals across Worcestershire are working together to provide them with the best support available.”
Dr Andrew Short, consultant Paediatrician and divisional director of medicine for women and children at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is a great example of partner organisations working effectively together to make improvements that will both benefit service users, as well as improve efficiency.”
