Urgent referrals

For urgent referrals where the person needs immediate urgent assessment due to a risk of harm to the person or others, then as a professional care provider you can refer to the Unscheduled Care Assessment Team at Whyteman’s Brae Hospital.

The Unscheduled Care Assessment Team (UCAT) is a nurse-led service that provides same day urgent assessments for people who are who are going through a period of mental health crisis or relapse, and may be referred by their GP, NHS24 or A&E. The team provides specialist mental health assessment, advice and signposting for people with moderate to severe mental health problems. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Referrals are accepted via telephone from appropriate clinical professionals who deem the person to be at significant risk of harm or experiencing a mental health crisis that may require admission to a mental health ward for acute or intensive care, assessment and or treatment.

When referring to the assessment team you should ensure that you have all relevant information to hand including:

  • Patients full name
  • Date of birth
  • CHI number
  • Their consent to attend for assessment is necessary
  • Outline of mental health/psychological problems and reason for referral
  • Clear description of any apparent risks
  • Relevant background (e.g. known abuse/trauma history, domestic violence, family psychiatric history, details of previous input from mental health professionals) where available
  • Previous treatments / medical input and efficacy (Note: Have any medications prescribed had an adequate trial?  Please refer to Fife Joint Formulary guidelines)

Unscheduled Care Assessment Team

The Unscheduled Care Assessment Team can be contacted by professionals via the NHS Fife Switchboard on : 01592 643355

Referrals

The service is for adults with mental health problems in need of assessment and or treatment

Non-urgent referrals

If your referral is non-urgent then you may feel it more suitable to refer to the Community Mental Health Team. You may wish to consider signposting the individual to self help and community organisations where felt appropriate. Full referral criteria and information for professionals can be found at

https://www.accesstherapiesfife.scot.nhs.uk/fifes-mental-health-teams/