Publish date: 15 October 2024
Mersey Care to provide first psychiatric clinical decision unit (PCDU)
Our Mere Suite in Hartley Hospital, Southport has been identified to support our service users, short term, during difficult times as a pilot PCDU. It has assessment rooms, overnight facilities, dining facilities, bathrooms and outside space. It will provide a comfortable space for service users (aged over 18) to receive an extended assessment - it’s a decision making service for up to 48 hours.
The Mere Suite PCDU can be used for two people following a robust risk assessment. It will operate a recovery focussed approach from the start of assessment, using principles of personalised care, co-production and supported self management. Staff will include registered mental health nurses and support workers, on duty 24/7 ensuring needs are being met, with access to further support if needed.
It’s recognised that a safe place to receive patients for a period of assessment supports the wider Trust but specifically our Core 24, Crisis Resolution Home Treatment, First Response Service and Mental Health Triage and Response Service, as well as supporting during winter pressures. Service users received into the PCDU may be referred from the aforementioned services, they’ll need an enhanced/extended assessment and the formulation of a treatment/safety plan. Service users agreeing to access the PCDU will be assessed as having capacity, they’ll not be an imminent risk to themselves and/or others. Service users will not be alcohol dependant and/or have any complex co-morbidities which may worsen over the 48 hours. The PCDU cannot be used for people detained under the Mental Health Act (1983), other than Sections 135/136.
A robust referral and triage assessment will take place ensuring that the most clinically appropriate service users are accepted, with an agreed access/exclusion criteria to support the decision making process and to ensure patient safety. A clearly identified and agreed exit strategy is needed as part of the triage assessment in order to support patient flow and capacity. An agreement will be required at the point of access about discharge from the PCDU.
Ongoing data collection including service user and carer feedback, will be embedded into the delivery of care and will also clarify demand and need for potential further investment.
