Following referral from A&E, NHS111 or community mental health teams, the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) supports people aged 18+ who are in mental health distress, through an extended period of assessment and treatment, away from a busy A&E setting.
Open 24/7, the MHCAS allows time and space to explore people’s difficulties in more depth, in a calm and relaxed environment. Working in partnership with third sector and charitable organisation, mental health professionals will support self-management skills, with a variety of interventions including coping strategies, anxiety management, medication support and self-care advice.
With permission, family members, carers and friends can be involved in the assessment process and teams will work with people to plan what support may be needed at the end of the assessment. This could range from any number of options, including support from their GP, community mental health support, home treatment, an inpatient admission and/or support from VCFSE organisations, including our partner Crisis Cafes.
TThe MHCAS entrace is located at the back of Bowmere Hospital, Chester.
