Mental health: what good looks like

Healthwatch York undertook engagement to find out what local people and organisations think a good local mental health service should look like.

Overall, people wanted multiple ways to access mental health support.  There should be greater care co-ordination for those people being supported by several organisations. Those taking on a care coordination role should be and continue to be that person’s main contact for support, questions and information until no longer needed or if they choose to access this support elsewhere. 

The care coordinator organisation should record information from the person (and family and friends as appropriate), including what would help them in future contact and appointments and share this with all other organisations the person is referred to.

Care coordinator organisations should be fully funded to play this role as part of a new mental health model where they are an integral and equal part of the system.