Liaison psychiatry innovation delivers faster mental health care in Kent and Medway EDs

Patients presenting to emergency departments in Kent and Medway are now being seen faster for mental health assessment, following changes to liaison psychiatry services. New data shows that the proportion of patients seen within one hour has increased from 3 in 10 to 9 in 10 patients, a major improvement in timely care and patient safety.

The improvement forms part of the ongoing rollout of the CORE 24 liaison psychiatry model at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, which sets staffing and response standards for 24/7 mental health support in acute hospitals. A key element has been the introduction of dedicated triage nurses at the emergency department front door, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Under the model, all Band 6 and Band 7 nursing staff rotate onto triage, ensuring patients presenting to emergency departments, whether self-presenting or arriving via police or ambulance, are assessed within one hour. This has now become core business-as-usual practice across Kent and Medway.

Amanda Hatfield-Tugwell, Deputy Service Director – East Kent for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “This improvement reflects the hard work and commitment of our liaison psychiatry teams who have embraced the CORE 24 model and 24/7 triage. Seeing patients promptly when they arrive in the emergency department enables earlier risk assessment, quicker intervention and a better overall patient experience.”

The progress is supported by CORE 24 investment in staffing, strengthened clinical leadership roles, and a consistent triage approach that enables earlier prioritisation of need and improved patient flow.

Cheryl Lee, North Kent Deputy Service Director for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, added: “Being assessed promptly when someone presents in crisis can make a real difference. Early triage supports safer decision-making, reduces distress for patients and families, and allows us to provide more responsive, psychologically informed care from the outset.”

Service managers maintain close oversight of this measure to ensure sustained performance and to identify further opportunities to improve safety, flow, and patient experience in busy acute hospital environments.

These results demonstrate the impact of targeted workforce investment and clear clinical pathways within the CORE 24 framework. Looking ahead, the service will continue to build on this progress, exploring further improvements in patient flow, and supporting staff to deliver even more timely, responsive and patient-centred care in emergency settings.