Early Intervention Service
Moor House
Widemarsh Common
Hereford

Contact: Clive Appleby

Tel: 01432 262887

Service Description:
The Early Intervention Service for psychosis is in the first stages of development. We currently have a clinical lead in post and a part time consultant psychiatrist. This year we will be appointing another full time worker.

The service is being developed in line with the Dept of Health guidelines and aims to provide effective help at the earliest opportunity to people aged between 14—35 suffering a first episode of psychotic illness.

•  Early intervention aims to make it easier and quicker for people with a first episode of psychosis to access existing services and effective interventions for themselves and their families.

•  to improve public understanding about mental health problems and to challenge traditional views of severe mental health problems. Links via Mental Health Promotion have been made to the Education Service and to other community groups. We seek to work in partnership with a wide variety of organisations who are in contact with our target population.

Referrals
EIS accepts referrals for assessment from all sources including self referral.

More information
The onset of a psychotic illness is often a confusing and frightening experience both to the person experiencing it and to those around them. Often symptoms develop gradually over an extended period making the illness difficult to identify, especially in teenagers and young adults who are still developing physically and emotionally.

However research clearly indicates a positive link between early diagnosis and treatment and a significant reduction in the disruption to a normal life caused by psychotic illness. The EIS aims to improve the recovery outcomes of teenagers and younger adults diagnosed with a first episode of psychotic illness in Herefordshire.

Links

West Midlands Dept of Health/ Rethink
http://www.iris-initiative.org.uk

Cambridge and Peterborough Early Intervention Service
http://www.cameo.nhs.uk

South London Early Intervention Service
www.oasislondon.com

Sheffield Early Intervention Servive
www.clik.to/eis