New service provider promises innovate new approach
The new approach will also see a focus on causes of mental ill health, as well as treatments, for a more comprehensive service for patients.
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) clinical commissioning group awarded the contract for services to Vita Health Group following a comprehensive procurement process that concluded in April.
Vita Health Group already provides psychological therapies services to NHS service users in other areas of England and will lead on delivery of an innovative new service for local people. It will work with service partners Bluebell Care Trust and Windmill Hill City Farm, and other providers in the local authority and voluntary and community sectors.
Dr Martin Jones, Clinical Commissioning Group Clinical Lead for Primary Care said:
"This is a really positive development. Vita Health has an excellent track record of delivering accredited psychological therapies in other parts of the country and we’re looking forward to working with them and local partners to get the new service up and running.
Our current arrangements for psychological therapies expire this year and we’ve worked closely with service users, existing providers, GPs and the local independent mental health network to review current provision and develop an innovative and forward-looking new service.
One of the really exciting features of our new approach is that as well as continuing to provide high-quality therapy treatments, the service will focus on the causes as well as the symptoms of mental ill-health.
We think this more joined-up approach to assessing and addressing people’s mental health needs will deliver better outcomes for service users, as well as providing a more sustainable and effective IAPT service for our area."
Derrek Farrell, CEO of Vita Health Group said:
"Vita Health Group, a leading independent NHS provider of Mental and Physical Health Services across the UK is delighted to be selected as the successful bidder for the delivery of the Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services.
We look forward to partnering and working with established local providers and charities, healthcare organisations, GPs and service users to set up the new service as quickly and smoothly as possible. Our ultimate aim is to make people better. We want to make a real difference to service user outcomes by delivering the right mental health care, in the right place and at the right time."
Further updates including public Frequently Asked Questions, will be published on the CCG’s website.
