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North Central London adopt new approach to improve care for people with severe mental illness

8 February 2024
UCLPartners have developed a new strategic delivery plan to improve care for the physical health needs of those with severe mental illness which is being adopted in North Central London.

A new strategic delivery plan developed by UCLPartners to improve care for the physical health needs of those with severe mental illness (SMI) is set to benefit residents across North Central London (NCL).

The new ‘Longer Lives’ plan focusses on people with SMI receiving the best evidence-based care for risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes and high cholesterol.

North Central London has the highest prevalence of SMI among Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) in England – men with SMI are dying over 18 years earlier than the general population, and women over 14 years earlier; and largely from preventable conditions.

The new five-year approach puts patient experience at the centre of plans to improve services and has been extensively co-produced with those who have lived experience of SMI. The approach to care will work across organisational boundaries to provide a combination of holistic support and targeted interventions.

Dr Ed Beveridge, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Clinical Specialist at UCLPartners, said:

Improving the physical health of people with SMI has been a priority for over two decades. Despite ongoing efforts, little progress has been made. Developing this new strategy alongside people with lived experience has told us what will work and its fantastic to see North Central London embracing the opportunity to do things differently for the population they serve.

The NCL Longer Lives Expert by Experience Reference Group said:

Longer Lives was developed as a joint piece of work, and we have agreed the priorities included. This has helped us to feel heard and respected, and brings us hope. We want to see this change and to hear a different story of positive outcomes, so that the emphasis can shift from living ‘long’ lives to supporting quality of life. 

Professor David Osborn, Hon Consultant Psychiatrist, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust said:

We need everybody with SMI to be offered integrated care that prevents and treats key risk factors. With commitment across the ICS we can reduce early deaths and empower people to live longer and better quality lives.