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A partnership between the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) and Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) has been recognised for its work responding to mental health emergencies across the county.
The trusts’ mental health joint response vehicle initiative won the ‘Transforming Lives through Partnerships’ award at HPFT’s annual staff awards on 26 November.
The scheme operates two vehicles across Hertfordshire, each staffed by a paramedic and a HPFT mental health clinician. Dispatched through EEAST’s control room, the vehicles bring expert care directly to patients, often in their own homes, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital visits.
Since launching in March, the service has made a measurable impact. In November alone, 82% of patients seen by the team were treated without needing a hospital journey, reflecting the value of rapid, specialist intervention. The vehicles can also respond to confirmed cardiac arrests, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
“It is fantastic to receive this award from HPFT in recognition of the work this initiative does for mental healthcare in Hertfordshire. Working alongside mental health clinicians allows us to provide compassionate, tailored care that meets the needs of each patient. Hospitals are not always the best place for someone in a mental health crisis, so bringing care to them makes a real difference. I’m proud to be part of this project.”
Lee Cattell, an EEAST paramedic who works on the vehicles.
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