What does the Mental Health Nurse do?
The Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) for your GP practice is an experienced, skilled clinician, who can offer you an assessment of your mental health, and any difficulties you might have, so that together you can develop a plan. They have access to a wide range of resources, which can be used to help and guide you to improve your emotional and mental health. MHP is a joint venture between Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust and the Primary Care Network (PCN).
Next steps…. Your GP will make a referral to the MHP, outlining what yours and their concerns are, what you hope to gain from the referral, and any specific information that may be useful for the MHP to be aware of (eg medications, health issues, any relevant mental health history). The MHP will review the referral and contact you, usually by phone in the first instance. This allows you to briefly discuss your needs and goals, and to ensure they are the most appropriate person to help you. You may then be invited to meet the MHP in person for an initial assessment. Here your health concerns will be explored in more detail. Together we will work on a plan for supporting your needs. Your plan may include interventions such as guided self-help, referral into other services, signposting, and advice, or short-term follow up sessions. If longer term input is needed, the MHP will explore this with you.
