Mental Health Trusts have been in the vanguard of mental health modernisation since the publication of the Mental Health National Service Framework. It is recognised now that the provider agenda must focus on delivering change within a Foundation Trust framework.
This brings many challenges:
• securing FT status
• developing new “quasi commercial” ways of thinking, operating and delivering services within a mental health services 'market' environment
• being customer focused in all your activities
• being intelligence-led in all you do and plan to do
• fostering new relations within PCTs, practice based commissioners, commissioning hubs, the third and independent sectors
• addressing newer agendas in social inclusion, in services for children and older people, and in primary care-led psychological therapies
Each of these challenges is significant in itself, and when combined with the ongoing need for effective and efficient service delivery the task becomes substantial. We have been supporting Trusts through these challenges for many years and have developed expertise valued by the field.