Trust’s mental health service is recognised for treatment of patients
A specialist mental health team at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for its treatment of patients.
Colleagues working in the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) service have re-accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The honour followed a rigorous review of the team’s work and the standards of care provided to service-users when they are treated at the Trust’s Cavell Centre in Peterborough.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Chandran (Selvi) Thavachelvi (pictured, front row, second from right) said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded accreditation again by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
“It is the third time in a row the Royal College has honoured us in this way following a detailed inspection of our work.”
ECT therapy is an effective treatment for some types of severe mental illness that is usually considered when other treatment options, such as psychotherapy or medication, have not been successful or when a patient is very unwell and needs urgent treatment.
Given under general anaesthetic to adults, ECT treatment involves a small amount of electric current being passed through a patient’s brain to trigger the release of chemicals and relieve their symptoms.
According to data published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2023, 68 per cent of patients were found to be “much improved” or “very much improved” following ECT treatment. Among those treated for a depressive episode, 41 per cent went into full remission.
Clinics are open twice a week at the Cavell Centre. When patients are treated, CPFT’s mental health staff are joined by colleagues from Peterborough City Hospital, which is run by North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which administers anaesthetic and supports patients in their recovery following the procedure.
Devised by the Royal College, the Electroconvulsive Therapy Accreditation Service accredits ECT clinics in the UK and Ireland and examines the quality of care and strict standards that focus on patient safety, staff training, and clinical environment.
Selvi said: “We are very proud of the service we offer and the partnership we have with Peterborough City Hospital.
“The whole team is delighted. To get the accreditation was a very rigorous process as we had to provide more than 200 items of evidence and welcome members of the Royal College as they undertook their inspection.
“But, most importantly, we hope it continues to demonstrate to our patients the pride and the standards of our service together with our ongoing commitment to their care.”