Working among the people of North Kensington, the CRT comprises Doctors, nurses and social workers. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to support adults in acute mental health crisis in their homes, thereby avoiding hospital admission. Early discharges from hospital are also faciltitated.
The CRT Approach
With an emphasis on Social Systems Intervention, treatment plans are formulated through initial meetings with a member of the CRT, which aims to develop coping strategies involving relatives and carers. This ensures support within the community, and so the client is better placed to resolve crisis issues, thereby promoting independence.
Staff are on duty between 8am and 10pm, with two members of staff available on call from home between 10pm and 8am the following day. In essence, this provides a 24-hour service to those in crisis, and also allows for the reciept of new referrals whilst providing support to clients currently on the CRT caseload.
The CRT can accept referrals from any client who is eligible for admission to an acute adult bed at St. Charles Mental Health Unit.
We take referrals from the following sources:
Community Mental Health Teams
Inpatient Unit
Duty Room
Accident & Emergency Liaison Service
Day Hospital
Emergency Duty Social Work Team
Self referrals are only accepted for clients who have been previously under the care of the CRT and for whom, in agreement with the CRT, self-referral is part of their crisis plan.
Clients or carers can present to the Duty Room at St. Charles Mental Health Unit 24 hours a day for assessment.
How to make a referral:
In person: by attending the CRT base to discuss the case with the Shift Co-ordinator.
By telephone: by calling the office or the on-call pager number. This will put you through to the Shift Co-ordinator.
It is preferable for the referrals to be made in person and all relevant information should be obtained, i.e. the most recent discharge summary and CPA form. Referrals cannot be accepted via fax or e-mail without prior discussion.
All clients for whom admission is being considered will be referred to the CRT. Following referral, the CRT will arrange a suitable time to carry out the initial assessment. The CRT will aim to respond to referrals within one hour or arrange a suitable time with the referrer.
PALS Link Worker:
Sandra Bell Tel: 020 8206 7317
Ade Adeyemi Tel: 020 8206 7008