Latest news with #ClaireMurdoch
Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
NHS opens first ‘mental health A&E'
The NHS has launched a first-of-its-kind, open-all-hours mental health unit for patients in crisis. The new centre is offering walk-in appointments around the clock for patients with serious mental illness. The first of six new 'neighbourhood mental health centres' opened this week in Tower Hamlets, east London, with the rest due to open in other areas later this year. The NHS said the 'one-stop shop' would bring together a range of community mental health services under one roof, including crisis services, community mental health services and short-stay beds. The centres will operate much as an A&E unit does but with a focus on mental health and without the lengthy delays those in crisis often face. Last year 250,000 people went to A&E because of a mental health issue, but one-in-three had to wait more than 12 hours. One patient waited 18 days for a bed to become available. People with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, will be able to walk in without an appointment if they need mental health support as well as advice on employment, housing, or volunteering. Other patients will be able to book appointments or receive referrals to attend and speak with specialists. The new services will be staffed by psychiatrists, therapists and other mental health professionals, as well as charity staff, volunteers, and people who have experienced serious mental illness themselves. Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said the services would mean 'people can access all the support they need in one place without needing to book ahead'. She said: 'We know that for people with serious mental health problems it can be daunting to seek help, and people can be overwhelmed by the different teams they come into contact with. 'NHS staff will be on hand round-the-clock to offer help as the health service looks to offer more community support through the 10 Year Health Plan. 'I would encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to come forward for care either by contacting their GP, NHS 111 or visiting their local neighbourhood centre.' It comes after Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, set out the 10-year health plan earlier this month, outlining ambitions to bring care out of hospitals and into the community. The NHS said the initiative was part of a wider approach to improve mental health care, alongside the rollout of 24/7 psychiatric teams in every A&E, a 24/7 mental health crisis helpline across England and dedicated mental health emergency departments. The other 24/7 mental health centres will be based in Whitehaven in Cumbria, Acomb in York, East of Birmingham, Heeley in Sheffield, and Lewisham in London. The NHS has ordered all local health providers to review the care they provide to those with the most serious mental illness, and issued guidance instructing patients not to discharge patients just for missing an appointment. It comes after paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane, the Nottingham killer that fatally stabbed Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates in 2023, had been discharged by the NHS after failing to engage with his care. Cassandra Geisel of Rethink Mental Illness and lead for the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance, said timely access to care can 'be the difference between recovery and crisis for people living with severe mental illness'. She said: 'What people tell us, and what evidence shows, is that the most effective support is wraparound: providing access not only to clinical care and treatment but also to support with housing, employment, and building social connections.' These factors can be powerful in preventing relapse and supporting recovery, but when absent, someone's mental health can significantly worsen.' Lorraine Sunduza, chief executive of East London NHS Foundation Trust, said she was proud that they would be providing the first neighbourhood pilot site to be fully operational. She said: 'The Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre will provide person-centred mental health care for people in Bethnal Green when they need it and bring NHS care closer to home.'
Leader Live
10-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Psychological support system opens to infected blood victims
The nationwide service began a phased rollout in September, and is now open to people infected and affected across the country. The Infected Blood Psychological Service will include talking therapies; peer support and psychosocial support, NHS England said. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result, while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. The new service is open to victims of the scandal as well as bereaved partners, parents, children and their extended families. People can self refer by phone or can be referred to the service by their GP. Officials said that a specialist therapist will help create tailored mental health plans for those in need of support. The Infected Blood Inquiry Report is now published on the Inquiry website. Access the Report here: — Infected Blood Inquiry (@bloodinquiry) May 20, 2024 Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said: 'The contaminated blood scandal and the subsequent long fight for answers have had life-altering physical and psychological impacts for thousands across the country and the NHS is determined to ensure that anyone infected or affected can receive evidence-based support and treatment. 'It has been so important that the Infected Blood Psychological Service has been co-designed with members of the infected blood community to ensure the best and most personalised care possible, and we are very grateful to all our partners who have helped establish these vital new services.' Nicola Leahey, from Lancashire, was infected with Hepatitis C following blood transfusions in 1975 and/or 1980, and was part of the expert advisory group to the new service. 'After my diagnosis, I felt that my body had been violated, that I had been physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished, I mourned lost opportunities, I felt betrayed,' she said. 'So many of us have long awaited the opportunity to have professional support to try to cope with the trauma and life-long effects that we've been subjected to. 'I'm thrilled that this much-needed service is now operational for both those infected and affected members of the infected blood community across England.' Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director for secondary care at NHS England, added: 'Following the recommendations of the Inquiry, this new service represents a vital step in ensuring patients and families affected in England can be offered tailored psychological treatment and support, and we are pleased that specialist clinics are now open in all areas of England. 'This bespoke psychological treatment is already making a difference to the lives of the first people to access it, and we now want to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the services provided.'
South Wales Guardian
10-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Psychological support system opens to infected blood victims
The nationwide service began a phased rollout in September, and is now open to people infected and affected across the country. The Infected Blood Psychological Service will include talking therapies; peer support and psychosocial support, NHS England said. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result, while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. The new service is open to victims of the scandal as well as bereaved partners, parents, children and their extended families. People can self refer by phone or can be referred to the service by their GP. Officials said that a specialist therapist will help create tailored mental health plans for those in need of support. The Infected Blood Inquiry Report is now published on the Inquiry website. Access the Report here: — Infected Blood Inquiry (@bloodinquiry) May 20, 2024 Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said: 'The contaminated blood scandal and the subsequent long fight for answers have had life-altering physical and psychological impacts for thousands across the country and the NHS is determined to ensure that anyone infected or affected can receive evidence-based support and treatment. 'It has been so important that the Infected Blood Psychological Service has been co-designed with members of the infected blood community to ensure the best and most personalised care possible, and we are very grateful to all our partners who have helped establish these vital new services.' Nicola Leahey, from Lancashire, was infected with Hepatitis C following blood transfusions in 1975 and/or 1980, and was part of the expert advisory group to the new service. 'After my diagnosis, I felt that my body had been violated, that I had been physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished, I mourned lost opportunities, I felt betrayed,' she said. 'So many of us have long awaited the opportunity to have professional support to try to cope with the trauma and life-long effects that we've been subjected to. 'I'm thrilled that this much-needed service is now operational for both those infected and affected members of the infected blood community across England.' Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director for secondary care at NHS England, added: 'Following the recommendations of the Inquiry, this new service represents a vital step in ensuring patients and families affected in England can be offered tailored psychological treatment and support, and we are pleased that specialist clinics are now open in all areas of England. 'This bespoke psychological treatment is already making a difference to the lives of the first people to access it, and we now want to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the services provided.'
North Wales Chronicle
10-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Psychological support system opens to infected blood victims
The nationwide service began a phased rollout in September, and is now open to people infected and affected across the country. The Infected Blood Psychological Service will include talking therapies; peer support and psychosocial support, NHS England said. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result, while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. The new service is open to victims of the scandal as well as bereaved partners, parents, children and their extended families. People can self refer by phone or can be referred to the service by their GP. Officials said that a specialist therapist will help create tailored mental health plans for those in need of support. The Infected Blood Inquiry Report is now published on the Inquiry website. Access the Report here: — Infected Blood Inquiry (@bloodinquiry) May 20, 2024 Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said: 'The contaminated blood scandal and the subsequent long fight for answers have had life-altering physical and psychological impacts for thousands across the country and the NHS is determined to ensure that anyone infected or affected can receive evidence-based support and treatment. 'It has been so important that the Infected Blood Psychological Service has been co-designed with members of the infected blood community to ensure the best and most personalised care possible, and we are very grateful to all our partners who have helped establish these vital new services.' Nicola Leahey, from Lancashire, was infected with Hepatitis C following blood transfusions in 1975 and/or 1980, and was part of the expert advisory group to the new service. 'After my diagnosis, I felt that my body had been violated, that I had been physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished, I mourned lost opportunities, I felt betrayed,' she said. 'So many of us have long awaited the opportunity to have professional support to try to cope with the trauma and life-long effects that we've been subjected to. 'I'm thrilled that this much-needed service is now operational for both those infected and affected members of the infected blood community across England.' Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director for secondary care at NHS England, added: 'Following the recommendations of the Inquiry, this new service represents a vital step in ensuring patients and families affected in England can be offered tailored psychological treatment and support, and we are pleased that specialist clinics are now open in all areas of England. 'This bespoke psychological treatment is already making a difference to the lives of the first people to access it, and we now want to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the services provided.'
Rhyl Journal
10-06-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Psychological support system opens to infected blood victims
The nationwide service began a phased rollout in September, and is now open to people infected and affected across the country. The Infected Blood Psychological Service will include talking therapies; peer support and psychosocial support, NHS England said. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result, while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. The new service is open to victims of the scandal as well as bereaved partners, parents, children and their extended families. People can self refer by phone or can be referred to the service by their GP. Officials said that a specialist therapist will help create tailored mental health plans for those in need of support. The Infected Blood Inquiry Report is now published on the Inquiry website. Access the Report here: — Infected Blood Inquiry (@bloodinquiry) May 20, 2024 Claire Murdoch, national mental health director at NHS England, said: 'The contaminated blood scandal and the subsequent long fight for answers have had life-altering physical and psychological impacts for thousands across the country and the NHS is determined to ensure that anyone infected or affected can receive evidence-based support and treatment. 'It has been so important that the Infected Blood Psychological Service has been co-designed with members of the infected blood community to ensure the best and most personalised care possible, and we are very grateful to all our partners who have helped establish these vital new services.' Nicola Leahey, from Lancashire, was infected with Hepatitis C following blood transfusions in 1975 and/or 1980, and was part of the expert advisory group to the new service. 'After my diagnosis, I felt that my body had been violated, that I had been physically and mentally abused, stripped of my dignity, my self-esteem diminished, I mourned lost opportunities, I felt betrayed,' she said. 'So many of us have long awaited the opportunity to have professional support to try to cope with the trauma and life-long effects that we've been subjected to. 'I'm thrilled that this much-needed service is now operational for both those infected and affected members of the infected blood community across England.' Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director for secondary care at NHS England, added: 'Following the recommendations of the Inquiry, this new service represents a vital step in ensuring patients and families affected in England can be offered tailored psychological treatment and support, and we are pleased that specialist clinics are now open in all areas of England. 'This bespoke psychological treatment is already making a difference to the lives of the first people to access it, and we now want to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the services provided.'
