Kirklands Surgery launches direct mental health support line for patients

Patients at the Kirklands Surgery now have faster access to mental health support as part of a 3-month trial.

The Portsmouth North Primary Care Network (PCN) which oversees The Drayton Surgery and The Kirklands Surgery has collaborated with the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub to offer patients direct access to mental health support.

From 19 May, patients calling the Kirklands Surgery to book an appointment will hear a new phone menu option to be transferred straight to the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub —connecting them directly to the team of trained mental health professionals without needing a GP appointment.

This follows the successful launch of the phoneline at the Drayton Surgery earlier this year, which has already supported 42 patients. One caller said:
“I just want to say that this is a really good service. I’ve had blips before phoning the doctors and had to wait hours or days for a call back. It’s really helpful knowing there’s someone at the end of the phone.”

The Portsmouth Mental Health Hub is a free NHS service offering support to anyone aged 16+ in Portsmouth who needs help with their mental health but isn’t sure where to start. The Hub is different because the team doesn’t only refer people to services, but they also provide immediate self-care advice, emotional support, and links to community groups. Whether that’s help managing stress, connecting with NHS Talking Therapies or accessing practical support like cost-of-living advice.

Dr Mark Swindells, Clinical Director at Portsmouth North PCN said:
“We’re pleased to extend this simple and effective route to mental health support for our patients at Kirklands Surgery. It’s all about getting people the right support, at the right time.”

Louise Norris, Access Service Manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (a Health and Care Portsmouth partner), said:
“We are really pleased to see this trial start at Kirklands, as we know that the hub can really offer that wide range of practical mental health support which is set out in a clear and compassionate at that first point of contact.”

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.