Temporary change to routine mental health referral pathway extended in Ceredigion

25 September 2025

Temporary changes to the routine mental health referral pathway in Ceredigion, first introduced in March 2025, will be extended until November 2025. This extension aims to ensure continued access to safe and effective mental health care for local residents.

In March, Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) approved a temporary change to the way GPs refer patients for routine mental health assessments, in response to ongoing medical and nursing staffing shortages.

Under this arrangement, individuals visiting their GP for non-urgent mental health support have been directed to the NHS 111 Wales Option 2 mental health support service. This service connects callers directly with a local mental health wellbeing practitioner, supported by a registered mental health nurse, enabling timely access to advice, assessment, and support.

GPs continue to refer patients with the most urgent or complex needs directly to the community mental health team and have access to a professional 111 support line for additional clinical advice.

The mental health and learning disabilities team and external stakeholders have been closely monitoring the clinical outcomes and service delivery following the implementation in March.

Due to continued workforce challenges, the temporary change will be extended until November 2025. In addition, the health board is seeking views from local GPs and service user groups to understand the impacts.

The extension will support further data collection and analysis, ensuring that future decisions are informed by robust evidence and provide stability for both patients and staff.

The Board will review the extension at its public board meeting in November 2025, following discussion at the Quality, Safety and Experience Committee (QSEC) in October.

Liz Carroll, Service Director of the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Clinical Care Group at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Our priority is to ensure people in Ceredigion continue to receive safe, timely, and effective mental health care.

“We know that there are things we can learn from the period during which the temporary change has been in operation. As part of the plan to extend this further, we will be working with GPs and service users to ensure that we use that learning to address any practical issues so that this service is as effective as possible for all concerned.

“We are grateful for the community’s understanding and support as we address ongoing workforce challenges.”

Anyone in need of mental health support is encouraged to contact NHS 111 Wales Option 2, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free to call from any phone, even without phone credit, and callers will be connected to a Hywel Dda mental health professional. GPs remain available for advice and support as usual.

To share your views about the service or the temporary change, please visit www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk/continued-access-to-mental-health-care-support-in-ceredigion (opens in new tab)