What do nurses in acute trusts need to provide mental health care?

Herbert, Sarah
Hetherington, Tina

Authors Sarah Herbert is divisional head of nursing, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust; Tina Hetherington is deputy chief nurse, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Nursing Times 117(6):p 46-48, June 2021.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

Challenges for general nurses in caring for patients with mental health needs
Gaps in knowledge and training
Similarities and differences between varying levels of nursing experience

Abstract

A survey of nurses working in seven acute trusts across Wessex was conducted to better understand the learning development needs and challenges around providing mental health care. The results led to a regional network being created to deliver improvements in the care of patients with mental health needs in the acute setting.