Publish date: 7 April 2026
Mersey Care developed a robust and comprehensive winter/resilience plan to help keep our service users and patients well and alleviate pressure on the wider system. Despite facing challenging periods, the plan ensured minimal disruption and overall, it was an incredibly positive outcome under difficult conditions.
By the end of March 2026, data showed an increase in patients flowing through most key services and pathways, with improved response and treatment times across the community. Most notably, in 2 Hour Urgent Community Response and Phlebotomy services. The implementation of the new NWAS Urgent Community Response pathway diverted category three and four 999 calls, to help avoid hospital admissions.
Throughout the busy winter period, mental health care services continued to support patients via our inpatient wards and urgent care services that are available seven days a week. The implementation of the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) provided a space for patients to have a specialist assessment in an environment that is more conducive to their needs. It has also reduced demand and response times in A&E.
Some key highlights for community care services include:
- 133,068 face to face attendances across our urgent treatment and walk-in centres, with 97% of patients being seen and treated in four hours
- 4,062 calls handled by the new NWAS Urgent Community Response Service 38% of patients avoided a hospital admission
- 317,000 referrals into phlebotomy services, helping to facilitate timely diagnostic services.
Some key highlights for mental health care services include:
- 40,918 calls to the crisis line to support those in need
- 11,025 referrals to Core 24 teams
- 1,696 admissions into our inpatient wards, helping to improve patient flow.
Once again, this year’s winter plan was also supported by a successful communications and marketing campaign.
