Experiences of NHS Community mental health services in South and East Birmingham
Download (PDF 1.6 MB)Summary of report content
This is a report by Healthwatch Birmingham. The project looked at community mental health services.
This study analyses the experiences of people accessing NHS community mental health
services. The aim was to understand what is, and what is not, working well and identify barriers or
challenges to access. The report will provide service leads with clear actions to take forward to
improve services in the highlighted areas.
We reviewed relevant literature and recent feedback received by Healthwatch Birmingham (HWB) from users of NHS community mental health services in Birmingham. We then developed an online survey to hear more feedback from service users. The survey was developed with input from staff from BSMHFT, Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (NHS BSOL), and the voluntary sector.
One hundred and fifty-three people completed the questionnaire. Following data cleansing (e.g. removal of incomplete questionnaires, out of area responses, and Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB) related responses) the responses of 97 people are included in this report.
Key findings:
This report shows that people’s experiences of NHS community mental health are variable.
There were some positive experiences around awareness of services and support available,
consideration of needs in care planning, and satisfaction with mode of access. Most said when
they accessed services they were treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
Key areas for improvement:
- Improve access to appointments and reduce waiting times for treatment.
- Offer people reviews after treatment and re-refer people if more support is needed.
- Ensure that care and support is personalised following a discussion with people about their
needs. - Produce and follow good care plans.
- Offer more than just medication.
- Offer compassionate care and support.
- CMHT should work more closely with the voluntary sector.
- Give people a point of contact.
- Improved understanding of mental health by healthcare professionals, including GPs and a
better understanding of Autism.
There are follow up actions in this report. The provider has responded in detail at the start and end of the report.