Last week Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of the King's Fund visited Hounslow Health services.
The visit took place at West Middlesex University Hospital, which is operated by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CWFT). Sarah was joined by leaders from both trusts; WLT Chief Executive, Maria O'Brien, WLT Chief Operating Officer (Local and Specialist Services), Dr Chris Hilton and CWFT Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roger Chinn.
The visit provided an opportunity for Sarah to meet with staff and teams from the the Hounslow Borough Based Partnership, and learn about some of the multi-agency work taking place across North West London.
During the visit Sarah was introduced to staff in Hounslow Community Healthcare, who work alongside the London Borough of Hounslow and acute hospital staff to oversee flow and discharge from West Middlesex University Hospital into the community.
Sarah also met staff from the Hounslow Liaison Psychiatry Service and Hounslow Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team, who support patients in mental health crisis in West Middlesex Hospital and in their own homes in the community, as well as staff in acute and inpatient mental health services.
Sarah Woolnough said: “It was fantastic to visit West London NHS Trust and meet with several teams to learn more about their mental health, community and discharge services.
“It was informative and inspiring to learn more about the Trust’s integrated approach to supporting people with mental health needs in the community, following an admission, and as inpatients. We were also struck by the approach to understanding trends and a commitment to learning and continuous improvement for those using their services.
“We look forward to staying in close contact with the Trust to share best practice and learnings in the future.”
The visit follows Dr Chris Hilton's recent appointment to the General Advisory Board at the King's Fund.
You can find out more information about The King’s Fund on their website: Health And Social Care Policy, Leadership Development And Events | The King's Fund (kingsfund.org.uk)