The Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS)
Time: 11:00 - 11:30
Date: 2 June 2026
Theatre: Main Theatre
2-june-2026 11:00
2-june-2026 11:30
Europe/London
The Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS)
This session explores how one NHS Trust reimagined crisis mental health care through rapid innovation and environmental redesign. Born out of urgent necessity following bed closures, the team transformed outdated inpatient ward into a new, purpose-driven space initially an eight-bed “pre-admission ward,” later evolving into a walk-in crisis assessment service. Within just six weeks, the
Design in Mental HealthSynopsis
This session explores how one NHS Trust reimagined crisis mental health care through rapid innovation and environmental redesign. Born out of urgent necessity following bed closures, the team transformed outdated inpatient ward into a new, purpose-driven space initially an eight-bed “pre-admission ward,” later evolving into a walk-in crisis assessment service.
Within just six weeks, the team created a calmer, therapeutic alternative to emergency settings replacing traditional ward features with soft lighting, music, a welcoming lounge, and private assessment rooms designed for dignity and de-escalation.
Eighteen months on, the service reports zero serious incidents, strong staff and service user satisfaction, and effective management of complex presentations Now operating at full capacity, the team is developing a three-tier crisis response model, encompassing:
- Walk-in support – immediate access to care and assessment.
- Short-stay support – up to 72 hours of intensive crisis work.
- Acute assessment alternative – a bridge to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
Speakers
Thorarinn Freysson Service Manager - Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Mehtab Rahman Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Inpatient Services - St Charles Hospital, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
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