Asking for a change of professional or service

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust aims to provide a local service encouraging people to see their local consultant psychiatrist and professional team.

However, a service user may ask to access other services, or for a different professional
or team to work with them.

If a service user lacks capacity, a relative or carer may request this for them.

How to ask for a change of service or professional

Please ask :

your AWP care team or team manager
your care coordinator
your consultant (doctor) directly.

Or you can ask you GP to request this.

Will it affect my treatment or care?

No - it will not affect the person’s current or future treatment or access to services or professional help – so please do not worry about this.

Whilst your request is being considered (unless agreed otherwise)

Your clinical care will stay with the same consultant psychiatrist and clinical team.
You should attend any appointment made for you and keep taking any medication prescribed for you.

What will happen next ?

Step 1

If it may help, we will encourage you and/ or your carer and family to discuss any problems and concerns with the team or member of staff involved.

With your agreement, we may also ask for another professional opinion on the treatment prescribed, care or service(s) provided.

Step 2

If the situation cannot be sorted out, we will ask you to write to the service or team manager confirming your request and givig your reasons.

If needed, an advocate or member of staff can record your request in writing for you.

You should get a letter to say your request has been received. A copy of your letter will be snet ot the professional staff concerned asking them to:

talk to you and/or your advocate, carer and family and other relevant professionals about the request.
look into options for a change of services or professional and to talk to colleagues in other teams or in neighbouring NHS Trusts.

Step 3

We will write to you giving an answer to your request.

This is usually within 15 working days of your wriiten request.

Soemtimes, it is not possible to agree to the request. If this is the case, we usually offer a meeting to explain the decision and the reasons.

If there is a delay, we will let you know and keep you updated on progress.

Step 4

If you are unhappy with the decision, you can ask the local area/service manager to review your request. They will talk to everyone involved in the decision.

They will then write to you letting you know their decision.

If you are unhappy, you can make a formal complaint. (See back of leaflet.)

Support and advocacy

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), or any other person you choose, can support you to make your request,

An Independent Mental Health Advocate can also help you request a change of professional or service, write letters and to come with you to any meetings..

Your care team or PALS team can give you details of local advocacy services. (See back of leaflet.)