Portsmouth University Hospital NHS Trust has launched a new service to help patients struggling with mental health problems.
Two new ‘In-Reach’ support workers have been announced to create the new division that covers Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.
The new service was released in January, working to support inpatients who visit the emergency department at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. The aim of the service is to help patients who may have anxieties or worries about visiting hospital, and help patients feel better about their treatment.
Natalie Raven, Matron at PHU, said: “This is such a fantastic service which will provide support and reassurance to our patients at times of crisis. We have been working collaboratively with local services to successfully launch this project and ensure our patients are kept safe and well.”
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, said: “Going into hospital can be an anxious experience for anyone but even more so for some of our most vulnerable residents, especially those with existing mental health conditions.
“We’re pleased to be involved in this new service which helps to ensure that individuals get the care and treatment they need and leave with support to avoid returning to situations which are detrimental to their health and are likely to lead to repeat hospital admission. This is no good for the individual or our health services, which are under even greater pressure than normal.”
The In Reach recovery team is available Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
