Colleagues who support young people with their mental health across East Lancashire have again been recognised for the quality of the service they provide.

East Lancashire Child and Adolescent Service (ELCAS) was awarded accreditation by the Royal College of Psychiatrists – the main body responsible for education and training, and setting and raising standards in psychiatry.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is one of just six NHS Trusts in the country to be awarded with this accreditation by the professional organisation.

It was presented by the Quality Network for Community CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) in recognition of the care delivered by ELCAS, a community mental health service that supports children and young people up to the age of 18 who are experiencing a range of mental health difficulties.

ELCAS was first accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in this way in 2017, and again in 2020.

The re-accreditation, which is awarded for a further three year period, was given after a group of inspectors carried out an assessment across nine standards and spoke to young people and their families about the service.

The inspection highlighted how the 170 person strong ELCAS team delivers high quality care.

ELCAS is made up of clinicians from different professional backgrounds that are skilled in working with children, young people and their families.

The team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, specialist therapists, support workers and administrative staff.

The service was also rated ‘outstanding’ by the independent health regulator, the CQC (Care Quality Commission), during their last assessment in 2019, providing assurance to families that the Trust provides a high-quality service.

Vicky Hampson, divisional director of operations for family care at ELHT, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded with these recognitions.

"It’s a true testimony to the hard work, loyalty and passion our teams deliver on a daily basis to make the service what it is.

“Our patients’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do and I hope these recognitions help to reiterate that and offer patients and their families the reassurance and confidence that we aim to consistently deliver safe, personal and effective care.”