National award for Montrose-based mental health team

The Montrose team was recognised as one of the best in the country.

A number of staff and nursing teams in Tayside were honoured at the Mental Health Nursing Forum Scotland Awards 2021. which recognise excellence in mental health nursing practice.

Community mental health team leader James Kennedy and colleagues from the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership Primary Care, Addictions and Mental Health Services won the Community Mental Health Nursing award for their development of the Enhanced Community Support Mental Health Hub in Angus. The team was also joint winner of the Overall Prize.

The Mental Health Hub provides a wide range of multi-agency services for patients, including access to the community mental health team, drug and alcohol services, psychology, third sector peer support and social prescribing.

James said: “It is a great privilege to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has been involved in this project which has made such a difference to people living with mental health and substance use issues. Feedback has been very positive from patients and staff and we plan to roll out this model of care across Angus.”

Gail Smith, Chief Officer for Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that the integrated approach taken by the team has been honoured by the Mental Health Nursing Forum. Working collaboratively with other health and social care teams and offering a single point of access to different types of support makes it easier and faster for each person to get help when it is needed. I congratulate the team on their well-deserved success.”