Specialist mental health response vehicle reduces hospital admissions by over 80%

A specialist mental health response vehicle has reduced hospital admissions in mid and south Essex by over 80%.

Over the last 18 months the mental health response vehicle (MHRV), hosted by East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), has seen 1,562 patients face-to-face and supported 1,167 emergency crews who were with a patient in mental health crisis.

Out of the 1,562 patients seen since April 2023, just 288 were conveyed to hospital, an admission avoidance rate of 81%.

The service is staffed by an EEAST paramedic or emergency medical technician, and a mental health practitioner from Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust (EPUT).

Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) funds the maintenance of the specialist electric vehicle, which was bought by NHS England.

Claire Fuller, mental health advanced practitioner for EEAST, said: “The vehicle has been a huge asset over the last 18 months and continues to support those in mental health crisis, through the 999 system.

“As we have a mental health nurse on board the resource, we have been successful in reducing conveyance to A&E departments where there is no medical need. Our ambulance clinician can discharge on scene, making this far more appropriate for the service users than long waits in hospitals to see a mental health professional.

“The MHRV provides quality mental health support from mental health trained professionals, allowing more of our ambulances to attend to medical emergencies.”

The scheme, which operates seven days a week between 1pm and 1am, began with a 12-month pilot in April 2023, and was awarded a three-year contract in 2024 for the mid and south Essex area, operating in Basildon, Brentwood, Thurrock, mid Essex, and south east Essex.

Tendai Madare is the matron and clinical manager of the Crisis Response Service and Mental Health Response Vehicle (Mid and South Essex) for EPUT.

He said: “This collaboration between EEAST and EPUT has been a resounding success, demonstrating the value of a joined-up approach in delivering patient-centred care.

“Hospital emergency departments are not always the best environments for people experiencing a mental health crisis and can cause further distress.

“We are committed to ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care, in the best place for their needs, and prioritising patient choice.

“This collaboration between EEAST and EPUT has been a resounding success, demonstrating the value of a joined-up approach in delivering patient-centred care.

“By combining expertise from both services, we have significantly improved patient care and reduced unnecessary hospital visits.”

Alfred Bandakpara-Taylor, deputy director for Mental Health at NHS Mid and South Essex, said: “The mental health response vehicle provides vital mental health support to residents during times of crisis. This not only provides specialist support for people but creates a more effective way of delivering NHS services for the benefit of all.”