The value of community mental health nurses based in primary care teams: ‘switching the light on in a cellar’

This paper explores the impact of placing Community Mental Health Nurses (CMHNs) at two primary care practices in South Staffordshire. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire which was sent to primary care personnel at these practices, to ascertain their opinions with respect to the contribution of practice-based CMHNs. Overall, primary care personnel were satisfied with the quality of the service received from the CMHNs, especially in terms of improved communication. They felt that the new arrangements enabled a quicker and more efficient access to the services of the CMHN. The results are discussed in terms of the value of having CMHNs within the primary care setting, and in terms of service planning and future recommendations for mental health services within primary care.