1.4 Single Point of Access (SPA) The SPA line (0300 123 9015) is a county wide service 24 hours per day SPA call handling is a single point for all referrals into the service. Call monitoring is in place for the purposes of training and continuous improvement. These arrangements will enable a consistent approach in the gathering and the quality of information. The role of the single point of access worker is to gather the information required which includes: Demographics of the service user, A summary of current presentation, Mental health needs, Relevant history particularly relating to risk Expectations of referrer. The SPA worker will contact the local GP surgery or use DCR (if not the referrer) to gain relevant information on current medication, allergies and physical health. The SPA line worker will complete the Threshold Assessment Grid (TAG) to help to inform the level of risk in relation to safety and to agree with the referrer the expected timeliness of intervention which will be within 2 and 24 hours. ALIS will accept all referrals without exclusion. Wherever possible, ALIS will respond to the referral within the timescale requested by the referrer or as directed by the risk identified. Role of ALIS/HT practitioner The shift lead will make contact with the service user within 4 hours, unless requested sooner by the referrer or if significant risks are identified. This is to gain further information to establish rapport, provide basic information regarding expectations and confirm appointment time, named practitioner and place. At the point of referral and initial assessment consent is assumed and practitioners will adopt assertive engagement skills. The assessment of an individual’s capacity will be an important consideration at this point. If the service user declines assessment and a Mental Health Act assessment is not required the practitioner in ALIS must contact the referrer to have a discussion about the way forward and agree further management plan.
1.4 Single Point of Access (SPA) The SPA line (0300 123 9015) is a county wide service 24 hours per day SPA call handling is a single point for all referrals into the service. Call monitoring is in place for the purposes of training and continuous improvement. These arrangements will enable a consistent approach in the gathering and the quality of information. The role of the single point of access worker is to gather the information required which includes: Demographics of the service user, A summary of current presentation, Mental health needs, Relevant history particularly relating to risk Expectations of referrer. The SPA worker will contact the local GP surgery or use DCR (if not the referrer) to gain relevant information on current medication, allergies and physical health. The SPA line worker will complete the Threshold Assessment Grid (TAG) to help to inform the level of risk in relation to safety and to agree with the referrer the expected timeliness of intervention which will be within 2 and 24 hours. ALIS will accept all referrals without exclusion. Wherever possible, ALIS will respond to the referral within the timescale requested by the referrer or as directed by the risk identified. Role of ALIS/HT practitioner The shift lead will make contact with the service user within 4 hours, unless requested sooner by the referrer or if significant risks are identified. This is to gain further information to establish rapport, provide basic information regarding expectations and confirm appointment time, named practitioner and place. At the point of referral and initial assessment consent is assumed and practitioners will adopt assertive engagement skills. The assessment of an individual’s capacity will be an important consideration at this point. If the service user declines assessment and a Mental Health Act assessment is not required the practitioner in ALIS must contact the referrer to have a discussion about the way forward and agree further management plan.
FOI1617148_UrgentCareReferralCriteria.docx