Two new Mental Health Response Vehicles have been introduced into our ambulance fleet, based in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, to further ensure that people receive the right mental health support in the right place and at the right time.
The vehicles are crewed with an EMAS paramedic and a mental health clinician from Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust or Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, with support from our Emergency Operations Centre clinicians.
The vehicles will predominantly be dispatched via the Emergency Operations Centre and Mental Health Clinical Assessment Team (CAT) to mental health incidents between 4 pm and 1 am in Nottinghamshire and 4 pm to 12 am in Derbyshire, seven days a week.
Mental health incidents are currently the fourth largest reason for on-scene attendance for EMAS. It can be challenging for people in mental health crises to receive the correct support ‘on the spot’ without first being taken to A&E.
This important development is thanks to a partnership between East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), Nottinghamshire Healthcare, Derbyshire Healthcare, and both Integrated Care Boards from the counties, with support from NHS England. The aim is to reduce avoidable conveyance to emergency departments and deliver care in accordance with patient needs.
Since the service launch in November 2024, we have seen a reduction in patient conveyance, with care provided in a more appropriate way.
In 2023, in Nottinghamshire, 55% of patients experiencing a mental health crisis attended by an ambulance were taken to A&E. In November 2024, where the MHRV attended a patient in a mental health crisis, only 9% of patients were then taken to A&E.
In 2023, in Derbyshire, 55.25% of patients experiencing a mental health crisis attended by an ambulance were taken to A&E. In November 2024, where the MHRV attended a patient in a mental health crisis, only 12.28% of patients were then taken to A&E.
James Smith, Emergency Operations Centre and 999 Mental Health Lead at East Midlands Ambulance Service, said:
“The Mental Health Response Vehicle represents a significant step forward in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
“Emergency departments are not always the most suitable setting for mental health emergencies. This service allows us to deliver the right help quickly and in an environment better suited to each patient’s needs. Our paramedics and mental health clinicians work collaboratively, using their expertise to assess each situation and explore the best options for the patient.
“By involving patients and their loved ones in the decision-making process, we ensure they receive the most appropriate care at the right time. This holistic approach highlights our commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care.”
Helen Auld, Mental Health Strategic Lead at East Midlands Ambulance Service, said:
“We know that the ambulance service and the wider NHS continue to face significant pressures, particularly during winter. The Mental Health Response Vehicles are playing a key role in avoiding unnecessary admission to emergency departments and supporting crews to undertake timely and effective clinical assessments for our patients experiencing mental health crises. This results in supporting the wider system in terms of demand and capacity and ensures our patients access the right service for their needs.”
Sue Elcock, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Medical Director at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, said:
“Our partnership work with EMAS and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB to provide this fantastic new Mental Health Response Vehicle service will make a massive difference to those experiencing a mental health crisis, who are at their most vulnerable and need immediate help in Nottinghamshire. Our mental health practitioners will work alongside EMAS colleagues to assess patients, provide practical immediate help, and escalate to other appropriate care pathways where required. This will ensure they get the care they need at the right time quickly, helping to reduce levels of mental distress for patients and their families.”
Vikki Ashton Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Delivery Officer at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We are very pleased to be working in partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service on this important project. As the main provider of NHS mental health services in Derbyshire, we want to ensure that local people who are struggling with their mental health receive support that is timely and suited to their needs. Sometimes that may mean going to hospital, but on other occasions there may be better options closer to home – and that’s what our skilled team in the mental health response vehicle will be able to determine.”
