title: Developing a social perspective in mental health services in primary care.
abstract: The influence of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) on the reorganisation of UK health and social care provision is already considerable. As well as challenging institutionalised processes of care, PCTs are encouraging innovation. This article reflects on a service pioneered by a small group of mental health social workers, which has been reconfigured within a new PCT, illuminated by examples of direct therapeutic work and service user feedback. In the new service, the practical application of a social perspective in mental health provision is demonstrated by eligibility criteria based on social context as well as psychological adversity. Possible developments arising from the prospective, multidisciplinary team membership and interface with secondary care are anticipated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatric Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. malcolm.firth@mhsc.manchester.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Malcolm T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Firth
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dyer
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Marsden
authors.forename: Declan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Savage
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom