HSE South West has announced a new phase in the development of the successful Kerry Specialist Mental Health Assessment Hub

HSE South West has announced a new phase in the development of the successful Kerry Specialist Mental Health Assessment Hub, which this week moved to a new base at the HSE Kerry Integrated Healthcare Hub in Tralee, located adjacent to UHK.

This week’s move is an important development in the delivery of mental health services in the county and will enable staff at the Hub to provide a fast and comprehensive alternative to the emergency department for those in need of emergency mental health care.

The hub had significant success from its initial location of Caherina House, and this new base at the Kerry Integrated Hub in Rathass will increase the viability of the hub as an alternative to attendance at an Emergency Department. It will also allow for closer collaboration between staff across all parts of the health service; including those in mental health services, the hospital, in primary care and in community-based supports.

Co-location will also help to ensure that people referred to the service get timely, co-ordinated and person-centred interventions in the most appropriate setting.

GPs can refer patients directly to the hub for same-day access to expert care so that Kerry people in need of urgent mental health support are assessed quickly and directed to the right care promptly. Assessments are carried out by a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Nurse Specialists in Mental Health, which means that patients get specialist decision-making expertise as soon as they arrive.

The benefits of the relocation for those using the service will include:

• Improved access to specialist mental health assessment
• Enhanced integration between acute and community services
• Reduced reliance on Emergency Department attendance, where appropriate
• Faster access to mental health supports and treatment pathways
• Improved continuity and co-ordination of care across services

The move also aligns strongly with the objectives of Sláintecare, which promotes person-centred, integrated care delivered as close to home as possible. Through stronger collaboration between services and improved care pathways, the Hub supports Sláintecare's vision of delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Previous analysis of attendances at the UHK ED showed that more than half of people who presented there with mental health difficulties could have been seen on the same day at the mental health assessment hub. A referral to the hub means that patients don’t wait in the emergency department for long periods of time and offers patients high quality, fast care.

The hub offers patients:

• A private, confidential and respectful assessment carried out by skilled mental health professionals
• A focus on the immediate needs and safety of the individual
• A thorough clinical evaluation and a clear plan agreed before leaving the hub
• Sign-posting to the most appropriate services in Kerry, depending on need. This includes community mental health teams, psychology, crisis services, primary care supports - or inpatient admission if clinically necessary.