Have your say on community mental health care
We are reminding people to share their experiences of using community mental health services as part of a national survey.
With just a few days remaining, any patients who used our community mental health services in April or May 2024 are being asked to feedback on the quality of support.
Last year, we received 288 responses from adults aged 16 and over who used its services. These responses helped us identify what is working well or requires improvement, as our Chief Medical Officer Adrian Flynn explains:
"It is so important for us to hear from people who have used our services. We need to know what's working well and what could be better. Every voice is valued, whether your contact with our services was regular or minimal. If you need help to compete the survey, call the survey centre helpline on 0800 917 1163.
"As a national survey, it also allows us to check how we are doing compared to similar Trusts nationally. What we learn will enable us to identify key priorities and can help us in our aim to provide the very best care for you and our community."
Since 2023, the survey has included 16- and 17-year-olds. This important change allows us to hear from people as they move into adult services. Adrian continued:
"The survey is confidential. It's carried out for us by the Care Quality Commission and a dedicated Survey Coordination Centre at Picker, on behalf of NHS England. Please can I reassure anyone taking part that your responses cannot be shared with our staff, so taking part will never affect your personal care or treatment."
The survey can be completed as a paper questionnaire, or online by using the login details provided. The survey closes on 6 December 2024. The results will be published in the spring of 2025. They will be used to assess community mental health trusts in England.
Visit the Care Quality Commission website for more information.