New GP phoneline trial to improve mental health access
February 28, 2025
Patients at The Drayton Surgery will be able to access more mental health support through a new phone line trial, being launched this week.
The Portsmouth North Primary Care Network (PCN) which oversees The Drayton Surgery has joined forces with the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub to offer patients direct access to mental health support.
From today (3 March), when patients call The Drayton Surgery, they will have a new phone option to access mental health support and will be transferred directly to the team at the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub.
Dr Mark Swindells, Clinical Director at Portsmouth North PCN said:
“We know more people need mental health support today than ever before, and that’s why we are excited to be working with The Portsmouth Mental Health Hub to help the patients of The Drayton Surgery get started with the right mental health support for their needs.”
“The phone menu option bridges the gap between primary care and mental health access, and we look forward to extending this trial to our other GP surgery – Kirklands Surgery – in coming weeks.”
The Portsmouth Mental Health Hub aims to be the first point of contact for anyone aged 16+ living in Portsmouth (PO1-PO6) looking to access mental health support but not sure where to go.
The Hub has a team of friendly experts and practitioners from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust based locally at St Mary’s Health Campus. The NHS service consists of a phoneline and online chat to connect patients and arrange appointments with mental health or community services.
Experience and causes of mental health problems are different for everyone, from financial worries, housing or family issues. The Hub can help with a variety of mental health related difficulties, whether that be mental health services like NHS Talking Therapies, or cost of living support.
Abigail Clarkson, Head of Access at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We are really pleased to be expanding our mental health offer with the Drayton Surgery phoneline – giving people more choice of how they seek mental health support as we know that people’s preferences are different, especially when taking that brave first step.
“The phoneline will help connect people with mental health needs to a range of different advice and information available through the Hub, all in a timelier and more streamlined way, without the need for a GP appointment.”
The Hub has helped over 7,000 people the last 2 years, and this 3-month GP phoneline trial will enable patients seeking mental health support to be put in touch with a team of mental health experts faster.
Anyone aged 16+ can contact the Hub (Monday to Friday 8am- 6pm) by calling 0300 123 6621 or use the online chat service, (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). Visit www.mentalhealthinportsmouth.co.uk/contact
*Please note* The Portsmouth Mental Health Hub can help anyone aged 16+ living in or registered with a GP surgery in Portsmouth (PO1-PO6). If you are registered with a Portsmouth GP surgery but live outside of the catchment area, the Hub can still support you but connection with services in the city may vary.
