Improving emergency care for people in mental health crisis: actions for change

Pressures across emergency departments, mental health services and community provision continue to expose gaps at the mental health (MH) and emergency department (ED) interface. These gaps contribute to delays, fragmented care and distressing experiences for people presenting in crisis, while placing significant strain on staff working in already pressured environments.

This guidance offers key actions for change for clinical, operational and improvement leaders across acute trusts, mental health providers, ICBs and voluntary sector partners who wish to strengthen joint working, reduce friction at the MH and ED interface and accelerate practical improvement locally.

It is informed by learning from a 12-month MH and ED interface improvement programme, delivered by the NHS Alliance in partnership with the NHS England GIRFT mental health team, which brought together 12 system teams spread nationally to test practical approaches to improvement, supported by structured learning, facilitation and peer collaboration.

While the programme operated in the context of intense operational pressure, teams have already seen early improvements alongside clearer shared understanding, stronger relationships and improved confidence in improvement methods. 

For more information about the programme, contact emma.fulton@thenhsalliance.org or alex.stewart@thenhsalliance.org