Published:
11:33 February 13, 2022
The people of Norfolk and Waveney are being asked to give their input on whether changes and improvements are being made to mental health services in the region.
The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which provides the region’s mental health services, has been in special measures since 2015.
The trust is currently awaiting the results of its latest Care Quality Commission inspection, which took place late last year.
Earlier in 2021, the CQC considered that some improvements had been made to the trust, but it remains to be seen whether this will cause the regulator to lift the special measures when the results are published.
But in the meantime, watchdog Healthwatch Norfolk has launched a study of its own to see if those most affected by the trust’s work have seen improvements.
The watchdog is inviting mental health patients and their loved ones to take part in a survey that aims to answer the pertinent question: what is your mental health care like?
The watchdog is eager to hear from anyone over the age of 18 who is already receiving mental health treatment or whose loved one is.
Healthwatch Norfolk is particularly interested in hearing from anyone who is seriously affected by mental illness, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, an eating disorder, major depression, or any other condition requiring rehabilitation.
Participants will be asked if they feel their care plans are being planned and delivered, how effective mental health services are in the community, and how well they believe their loved ones are involved.
And families of people receiving care will be asked how informed they feel about their loved one’s care.
Participants will be able to participate in complete anonymity and once the study is complete, Healthwatch will prepare a report of findings and make recommendations to health and social care providers in the region.
Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: “Some changes have already been made to improve the support offered by mental health services in the community, so this project will help assess that.”
“It is also important that we collect feedback and experiences from those most affected.”
The survey can be found at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/norfolkCMHTeEvaluation/
