The MP for Ilford North and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting visited Goodmayes hospital to find out about the new mental health crisis hub that operates on site as an alternative to the nearby emergency departments in the area.  

NELFT Chief Exec, Paul Calaminus and Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Carol White, Peer Support Worker, Ruby Chott, and ARD Assistant Director, Astrid Duminy, showed Mr Streeting around the crisis hub, that is open 24/7 and has been co-designed with patients and carers.

The core purpose of the hub is to provide an emergency department diversion for those with urgent mental health needs that do not require acute medical intervention. This approach is helping ease pressure on inpatient mental health services and hospital beds in A&E.
 
During the visit, Mr Streeting spoke with the team on the Ogura Ward, which cares for adult patients, and listened to those undergoing treatment speak of their experience. The Health Secretary also met with Kate Lorrimer, Strategic Director of Relational Care, spoke about the importance of providing empathetic care.

Paul Calaminus, Chief Exec at NELFT, said:  

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Health Secretary to Goodmayes, to talk about the work we are doing to support people safely recover out of hospital and ease pressure on neighbouring emergency departments, in line with the NHS 10-year plan. The hub is a result of the effort to continually improve our services and provide compassionate care to people in mental health crisis, while supporting the wider health system both locally and nationally to innovate in response to current challenges.”