GP case study: Mental Health advice in Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Since June 2021, clinicians in Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board have had access to the Mental Health Assessment Unit (MHAU) line for emergency mental health advice. We spoke with Dr Ejike Peterside, a GP at Lennox Practice, to find out the benefits of this service for him and his patients.
Gp Case Study: Mental Health Advice In Greater Glasgow And Clyde Consultant Connect

‘The advice is detailed, I’m guided on what to do next or what can be done, and together, we create a management plan with the patient’s best interests at the centre.’

GP case study: Mental Health advice in Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Since June 2021, clinicians in Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board have had access to the Mental Health Assessment Unit (MHAU) line for emergency mental health professional-to-professional clinical advice. We spoke with Dr Ejike Peterside, a GP at Lennox Practice in Scotland, to find out the benefits of this service for him and his patients.

Monthly Mental Health Assessment Unit line statistics* (average):

58 calls | calls answered in 23 seconds | 100% first-time connection rate

 

How did you obtain emergency mental health advice for patients before the MHAU line was made available via Consultant Connect?

‘I would access switchboard numbers for mental health trusts from their websites and phone them directly, but often I would need to leave a message for the specialist to call me back. In a lot of instances, by the time the specialist called back, I would already be in a clinic or seeing another patient, so we would keep missing each other’s calls.’

 

How does access to this line via Consultant Connect compare to your previous method?

‘Using the service has improved my workload because whoever answers the phone is the person I need to speak with, so it gives me direct access to discuss the patient without needing to wait in between. If the specialist who answers the phone is busy, they will state an exact time to call me back which speeds up the process considerably.’

 

What are the benefits of using Consultant Connect?

‘There are many things that are improved by using this service. Due to the nature of the line, a lot of queries are time-sensitive, and the patient and their family are wanting and needing a plan. The advice is detailed, I’m guided on what to do next or what can be done, and together, the specialist and I can create a management plan with the patient’s best interests at the centre, ensuring the patient gets the care they need fast.’

 

Are there any examples of when you’ve used the MHAU line to ensure your patient receives the correct support?

‘I recently received a call from a patient’s mum who stated that the patient was expressing suicidal thoughts, which had happened previously. Their mum was really worried, and the call came through towards the end of the day, so I needed rapid advice. I called the MHAU line via Consultant Connect and discussed the patient with the specialist, and we quickly devised a patient management plan.  The specialist advised me on actions to take in the interim as well as a follow-up plan for later down the line.

As a result of this call, I was able to give the patient and their mum a definitive plan which they were happy with, and the prompt response put them at ease.’

 

What advice would you give to clinicians who are hesitant to use Consultant Connect?

‘I initially had reservations about using Consultant Connect because I was worried about it being difficult to use, but it’s so easy and puts you in contact quickly with specialists. I encourage clinicians with access to the service to use it! It’ll save you tonnes of time, rather than having to go through a third party on switchboard. I’ve also used the app to take patient images for a referral to Dermatology, and that was just as straightforward. It’s a very effective app, I find it really helpful.’

 

* from May 2023.

If you have any questions about this service, please get in touch on 01865 261467 or at hello@consultantconnect.org.uk.

Related case studies

Consultants case study: a Trust’s view

Consultants case study: a Trust’s view

One of the most common questions we encounter when discussing Phone Advice & Guidance is 'what do the consultants think about it?' We sent a film crew to NGH to ask exactly that question.

The benefits of having access to GP Bypass Numbers in Wales

The benefits of having access to GP Bypass Numbers in Wales

One of the most popular uses of the free Consultant Connect App is the pre-programmed Bypass Numbers feature, which allows healthcare professionals in participating areas to skip the queue on switchboard and speak directly to staff at local GP practices.

Messaging Advice & Guidance in Kent & Medway

Messaging Advice & Guidance in Kent & Medway

Primary Care clinicians share their experiences of how Messaging Advice & Guidance has helped improve patient care.

Hospital @Home Respiratory Medicine line in the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

Hospital @Home Respiratory Medicine line in the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

Following the launch, in April 2022, of NHS England’s national Hospital @Home (H@H) programme, the ICB within Greater Manchester received funding to develop H@H services across the Northern Care Alliance (NCA).

- Consultant Connect

Contact us

For more information about how we work with commissioners, hospitals and mental health trusts to improve patient care, please get in touch.

- Consultant Connect

Join a webinar

Listen to health experts from the comfort of your desk as we bring the experts to you in our series of online webinars.

- Consultant Connect

Join our mailing list

Join our mailing list and we'll keep you informed of our latest blogs, project news, and upcoming webinar dates and topics.

Contact us

Permissions

You can view our Terms & Conditions here.

Most Read Articles

Transforming the care of older people

Advances in healthcare mean more of us are living longer, and, in recognition of the International Day of Older People, we’re showcasing how we support clinicians in providing the best care for these patients.

read more