A new mental health vehicle is set to be launched by West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) in Worcester.

The vehicle is part of a wider introduction of five mental health response vehicles (MHRVs) across the West Midlands.

The new fleet will be deployed via 999 or 111 calls, providing assessment and care to patients of all ages.

 

 

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The MHRVs are staffed by specialist mental health paramedics, along with either a student paramedic or technician for additional support.

Other than Worcester, the vehicles will be hosted in locations including Coventry, Hollymoor, Shrewsbury, and Stoke-on-Trent.

Richard Corrall, head of clinical practice for mental health, said: "This is an exciting new service for responding to calls relating to mental health.

"We recognise there is more we can do to support these patients and direct them to the most appropriate pathways.

"This represents a huge opportunity for the Trust to meet their needs and establish parity of esteem between physical and mental health needs."

As the MHRV service is a new addition, ambulances will continue to respond to mental health emergencies where necessary.

Furthermore, mental health nurses will provide on-spot advice to crews from the clinical validation team at the Emergency Operations Centre.