Improving the physical health of patients on the serious mental health illness (SMI) register is a key priority for CCGs across the country.
In Newcastle and Gateshead, we are linking with patients and
carers to find out more about the barriers that make it difficult for people on the register to access physical health assessments and care plans.
With support from Involve North East, the ReCoCo College and Gateshead Clubhouse, we asked a number of people on the register for their views about annual physical health checks.
Patients helped us to identify a range of ideas including having the checks carried out with the patient’s own GP, better use of invitation letters and reminders, and promoting the checks through relevant voluntary and community organisations.
To find out more, please contact our involvement team.