Single Referral Pathway
Establishment of a Single Referral Pathway
The Single Referral Pathway was established in January 2007 following consultation with all parties involved, including service users.
This consultation identified the need for a system to efficiently manage all referrals for adult mental health services provided by the Integrated Mental Health Service and other partners within the NHS and the Voluntary Sector.
These services include:
Psychiatric Provision
- Community Mental Health Team
- Day Unit
- Outpatients
Mental Health Provision
- Phoenix Centre
- Community Access Team & Supported Employment
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Devon House
- Counselling
The Benefits
By working in partnership we can share information and resources to provide co-ordinated mental health services to meet the needs of people in Clackmannanshire.
The Single Referral Pathway ensures that all mental health referrals are directed to one point. This means that a decision can be made quickly to make sure the person being referred goes directly to the correct team. As a result of working together we are able to avoid duplication, provide a wider choice and see people quicker.
How does the Single Referral Pathway work?
The diagram below shows how referrals are processed through the Single Referral Pathway:
- The Referring Agent initially considers self help courses and mental health awareness, for example Stress Control and Scottish Mental Health First Aid).
- If these are unsuitable, the Referring Agent makes a referral to the Single Referral Pathway.
- The Referring Agent decides if a service is required from the Psychiatric or Mental Health branch and also the timeframes required (one week for urgent referrals, 6 weeks for routine referrals).
- An information sharing leaflet and a letter is sent to the individual being referred.
- Referrals are discussed at weekly referral meetings and allocated to the team most appropriate to meet the individual's needs.
- If it is unclear which team is best able to meet the individual's needs then a joint assessment is carried out.
- If a referral is mistakenly directed to the wrong service, an informal referral process is in place to transfer the referral from one service to another with minimal disruption and loss of time.
How to make a referral
If you feel someone would benefit from adult mental health services, a referral can be made by a GP, Social Worker or other professional that the individual is in contact with.
Referrals from GPs can be made through the Electronic Referral System. All other referrals can be made via our Single Referral Pathway by completing our standard Referral Form and sending it to:
- SRP Administrator
Mental Health Resource Centre
Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre
Hallpark Road
Sauchie
FK10 3JQ
Tel: 01259 290343
What Happens Next?
Once a referral is allocated to a team, the individual will be contacted to attend an appointment to carry out an assessment of needs, discuss options available and agree the best way forward.
Monitoring and Evaluation
A performance management system is in place which monitors all aspects of care, ensuring standards are maintained and improved where possible.
Performance reports, alongside the views of service users and partners inform managers when there is a need to change.
Some of the results from Single Referral Pathway monitoring can be found in the Performance section of our Annual Reports.
See also
Page & Site Tools
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Service Manager Mental Health Joint Provision, Adult Care
Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
Tel: 01259 452376 / 450000
Email: integratedmentalhealth@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form
