Community Care – Page 2 – Lancashire & South Cumbria Library Blog

Community Health Bulletin

The latest Community health Bulletin produced by the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

Crisis and acute mental health care
For urgent action: campaign to vaccinate all frontline healthcare staff
Do we really understand what a healthy weight looks like for all ethnicities?
When healthcare advice feels like blame – the problem with ‘Making Every Contact Count’
No Neighbourhood Health Without Mental Health
New healthier food standards to give babies best start in life

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Patient Health Records: Access, Confidentiality, and the Journey Toward a Single Record

A July 28 2025 briefing explains current UK laws governing patient access to their own health records and confidentiality protections. It reveals that NHS data remains fragmented—GPs and hospitals each hold separate records, complicating care and research. The government plans to introduce a “single patient record” via the NHS App. While many support better data sharing, concerns linger over third-party access. Electronic record systems are in place in most NHS trusts, but progress continues toward full implementation by 2026. Key legislation now includes the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and updated standards to encourage secure and efficient data sharing.

Collaborative Care for Depression – What Works Best?

A new National Elf Service article explores which parts of collaborative care make the biggest difference for people with depression.

Research shows that while collaborative care involves teamwork, structured plans, and regular follow-up, the most effective elements are manual-based psychotherapy and involving family or carers.

Despite strong evidence, collaborative care is still underused in practice, often due to limited resources and uncertainty about what really works. This study highlights where efforts should be focused to improve outcomes for patients.

Community Health Bulletin

The latest Community health Bulletin produced by the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

Exercising our rights: Improving access to physical activity for people living with severe mental illness
PAGB launch new 2025 Self-Care Census Report
Black maternal mental health – interconnected issues at the heart
How to Talk to a Friend About Their Mental Health: A Helpful Guide
NHS launches first ever review to tackle LGBT+ health inequalities
Moving care out of hospital: what can England learn from other countries?

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

CB-12Aug25 Download

Community Health Bulletin

Current Awareness Bulletin With thanks to our colleagues from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust please find the latest bulletin attached. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account.

In this edition:

Older northerners struggle with “alarming” inequalities compared to people from the South
Understanding drivers of recent trends in young people’s mental health
Taking action on obesity: what do the public think?
Invest in better mental health support for people in the criminal justice system, say charities
Postnatal depression harming up to 85,000 new mums in England, warns RCPsych
Still the Government’s best-kept secret? Access to Work for people with mental health difficulties

For support accessing any of the articles, please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

CB-30Jul25 Download

Making Every Contact Count May 2025

The most recent Make Every Contact count public heath bulletin looking at latest evidence around smoking cessation, alcohol, healthy weight, healthy eating and physical exercise is now available. The bulletin is produced by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT Library staff. If you cannot access any of the articles included in the bulletin please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking Cessation May 2025 Download

Alcohol

Alcohol May 2025 Download

Healthy Weight & Healthy Eating

Healthy Weight Healthy Eating May 2025 Download

Physical Activity

Alcohol May 2025 Download

CQC Survey Reveals Ongoing Challenges in Community Mental Health Services

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) 2024 Community Mental Health Survey highlights persistent issues within NHS community mental health services in England. Key findings include:

Access and Waiting Times: 40% of respondents did not receive support while waiting for their first appointment, and 42% reported that their mental health deteriorated during this period.
Crisis Care: While 78% knew who to contact during a crisis, 27% did not receive the help they needed, and 47% reported that their families or carers were not offered support during such times.
Care Planning and Involvement: Over a third (38%) did not have a care plan, and 43% had not had a review meeting to discuss their care. Additionally, 36% reported having no choice in how their care was delivered.
Support for Broader Needs: Significant numbers of respondents did not receive help or advice for joining community activities (44%), finding work (69%), or accessing financial advice or benefits (67%).

These findings underscore the need for comprehensive improvements in community mental health services to ensure timely access, effective crisis support, and holistic care planning.

Read the full report: CQC – Community Mental Health Survey 2024