Local MP, David Rutley, joined staff from Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's (CWP) Community Mental Health Teams recently to see first-hand the important front-line care and support provided to local residents.
David started the morning with a Community Mental Health Nurse from the Older Adults Team, visiting two patients in Wilmslow and Macclesfield. The Older Adults Team supports people with dementia and other mental health conditions in the community, assisting with a range of practical, everyday issues to ensure that patients' needs are met in their own homes.
Afterwards, at Jocelyn Solly Community Resource Centre, David joined a nurse from the Adult Recovery Team, for a visit to two more patients in Macclesfield. He learned more about how people live with a wide range of mental health conditions, from schizophrenia through to paranoia and what support is available, including: talking therapies; social interventions; and education.
The day finished with a meeting with Julia Cottier, Service Director at CWP, where David was able to provide positive feedback from his visit and thank CWP for arranging his time with the community nurses. David was particularly keen to spend time with clinical services, in light of the current review of local mental health services, under which it is proposed there should be a stronger emphasis on community-based packages of patient care.
Speaking after his visit, David said, "It was inspiring to spend time with CWP's community mental health nurses and to see first-hand the impressive work they are taking forward. Their dedication and hard work is really making a positive difference to local residents with mental health conditions, from the oldest in our communities to adults with other acute conditions. As local mental health services are reviewed, it will be vital to ensure that high quality services continue to be provided in our communities."