South West London CCG Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21

pandemic, connecting people with the support services in their neighbourhood, including housing and benefits support. Social isolation referrals have increased to the team during lockdowns. The next stage of the ICN+ programme is to work with our staff and services to develop and implement the multidisciplinary teams in each of Croydon’s six localities. Mental health Improving care and support for mental health patients in Croydon Hospital’s Emergency Department and in the community has been a focus over the last year. We are working closely with our partners in mental health trusts to find better solutions to increasing demand for mental health in our borough. Some of the actions we have taken to ensure people with mental health needs get the support they need include: • Mental Health Assessment Unit at Croydon University Hospital for people who have a physical and mental health need, but who do not need emergency care. • The Recovery Space, hosted and run by MIND Croydon, opened in September 2020. The space provides a safe, supportive environment for people experiencing a social mental health crisis as an alternative to using other crisis services. The service provides both face to face and telephone and digital support depending on a client’s needs. Ground-breaking Croydon partnerships recognised in national awards Croydon’s ground-breaking partnerships were praised in a prestigious national awards ceremony in March 2021, which celebrates excellence in health and care services. The 2020 HSJ Awards were held virtually for the first time to recognise the dedication, innovation and teamwork in what has undoubtedly been one of the toughest years for health and care workers. The borough was highly commended in two out of three nominations for patient safety and for leading changes to local health and care services to provide more joined-up care and support. Croydon Health Services NHS Trust was highly commended for patient safety through a new system that allows clinicians to closely monitor and care for patients with and without Covid-19, to keep people safe from the virus. The One Croydon Alliance was also highly commended for the System Leadership Initiative of the Year, beating more than 1,000 entries to make it Croydon’s ground-breaking partnerships were praised in a prestigious national awards ceremony in March 2021, which celebrates excellence in health and care services Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21 | 45