Over the coming months, a new single point of access (SPoA) will be introduced for referrals to Dorset’s adult community mental health services from primary care.
The SPoA will provide a more streamlined route into mental health services through a single referral and triage system. A multidisciplinary team – including NHS mental health practitioners, administrative staff and wellbeing coordinators – will work together to review referrals and identify the most appropriate support for each person.
This will reduce delays, avoid duplicate or declined referrals and – most importantly – help people to find the support they need more quickly.
The new SPoA system is being introduced as part of the wider Access Wellbeing transformation programme, which brings together specialist mental health support (CMHTs), focused pathways (including complex trauma and medication management) and universal community-based support into one single, joined-up model. The SPoA will provide a route into support across the whole system.
When and how will the SPoA be introduced?
The SPoA will be introduced in phases. Primary care colleagues will receive direct updates about when it will go live in their area and how to refer.
When and how will the SPoA be introduced?
The SPoA will be introduced in phases. Primary care colleagues will receive direct updates about when it will go live in their area and how to refer.
The system will operate on a locality basis, with each SPoA covering a group of primary care networks. Contact details will therefore vary between areas.
Who is the SPoA for?
The SPoA is for adults aged 18-65 with mental health needs across Dorset. Referrals for people aged 65 and over will continue to be made to the Older Persons Community Mental Health Teams, and some other services will continue to receive referrals directly including:
- Early Intervention in Psychosis
- Perinatal mental health services
- CAMHS
- Eating disorder services
- Learning disability services
- Steps 2 Wellbeing
Which professionals can use the SPoA?
The SPoA is primarily for referrals from primary care clinicians.
Colleagues working in other roles can continue to support people to access services as they do now, including making ‘warm handovers’ to services such as Access Wellbeing hubs.
Does the SPoA only cover Access Wellbeing hubs and drop-in spaces?
No. The SPoA provides a single route into most community mental health services in Dorset, including CMHTs and other key services, with a few exceptions (see above).
Does the SPoA impact on self-referrals and open-access support?
No. People can still access support via self-referral, if this offer is already in place (eg Steps 2 Wellbeing) and can continue to access support directly through any of Dorset’s open-access drop-in services, including:
- Access Wellbeing hubs and drop-in spaces
- Access Mental Health crisis services (including Retreats and Community Front Rooms)
More information
We will keep colleagues updated on the SPoA as it is rolled out.