A service which supports young people with complex mental health needs has been described as ‘innovative’ and achieving ‘excellent outcomes’ as it was presented with a prestigious national award.
Part of Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, the Intensive Community Outcome Service (ICOS) within Solihull Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has been named the Children and Adolescents Psychiatric Team of the Year 2014 by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
ICOS provides intensive community support to young people aged 11-18 with severe mental illness as an alternative to hospital admission, offering an eclectic mix of home treatment, early intervention, assertive outreach and crisis resolution. The team includes a psychiatrist, community psychiatric nurse, psychotherapist, dietitian and a community support worker.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists Awards judges praised the ICOS team for achieving ‘excellent clinical outcomes while reducing the number and duration of admissions, in a cost effective way’ saying the service was ‘highly regarded by users and carers’.
The judges said: “The judging panel were very impressed by the excellent outcomes of this outreach team, managing very high risk patients with severe mental illness.
“Driven by the shortage of inpatient beds, this innovative and clinically responsive team has provided excellent evidence of outcomes and clinical savings. We were particularly impressed by the service user engagement and multi-agency links. An excellent service meeting a high risk level of need.”
Andrew Clements, head of operations for Solihull Hospital and Community Services said the award for the ICOS team was recognition of the vital work they do for young people in the Solihull area.
He said: “It is fantastic that people in Solihull can be assured that they have a nationally recognised and highly revered service such as ICOS helping young people to cope with severe mental illness.
“The judges’ comments show how highly regarded the service is by its peers and I would like to congratulate everyone in the team on this marvellous achievement and thank them for their continued hard work and dedication to achieving excellent outcomes for their patients.”
The CAMHS service is part of Solihull Community Services. For more information on the services it provides visit http://communityservices.heartofengland.nhs.uk or contact the ICOS team directly by calling 01564 770869.
