Clear framework aims to deliver faster access, better support, and improved outcomes

PEOPLE across Wales are set to benefit from clearer and more consistent mental health care, as new national standards outlining what good services should look like are introduced.

Two new quality statements, published this week (Mar 24) set out the outcomes and expectations for NHS and social care services. They aim to ensure patients can access timely, compassionate, and effective support — including same-day, open access care and improved services for those who have self-harmed.

The measures form part of the Welsh Government’s wider Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Strategy. Ministers say they are designed to move Wales towards becoming the first nation to offer same-day, open access mental health support nationwide.

Around 20 pilot schemes are already underway across Wales, offering support without the need for a GP referral. These “demonstrator sites” are intended to provide early help and reduce the number of people reaching crisis point.

One such scheme includes a university liaison service in Cardiff, supporting students across Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, the University of South Wales, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Since its launch in 2022, more than 240,000 people have contacted the NHS 111 “press 2” service for urgent mental health support.

The Mental Health Quality Statement sets out nine key principles aimed at reshaping services. These include designing care with input from people with lived experience, embedding trauma-informed approaches, and ensuring services are flexible, collaborative, and centred around individual needs.

A separate Self-harm Quality Statement outlines six pillars of care: immediate treatment, trauma-informed support, continuity of care, safety planning, holistic signposting, and skilled responders. It stresses that anyone who self-harms must receive compassionate, person-centred care, regardless of intent.

The standards have been developed in partnership with NHS Wales, third sector organisations, and individuals with lived experience.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles said: “These standards will ensure people have access to consistent, compassionate and effective mental health support wherever they are in Wales.

“We are moving towards a future of open access services, so people can get help earlier and avoid reaching crisis point. These standards will play a key role in improving mental healthcare across Wales.”

NICOLA WILLIAMS will take up the role in April, bringing more than three decades of experience in nursing and senior leadership.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced the appointment of Nicola Williams as its new Executive Director for Wales.

She joins the organisation from Velindre University NHS Trust, where she currently serves as Executive Director for Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Health Care Scientists. With 38 years of experience in nursing and more than six years at executive board level, she is widely recognised across NHS Wales for her work in improving patient outcomes.

A highly experienced strategic leader, Williams has worked across a wide range of clinical and organisational settings. She has led major transformation programmes, strengthened national clinical leadership networks and championed innovation and evidence-based improvements in care. Her work has contributed to changes adopted across Wales and has been recognised with national awards.

Speaking about her appointment, Nicola Williams said: “I feel privileged to be appointed as Executive Director of RCN Wales. I’m a proud nurse, passionate about patient safety and improving care standards.

“Delivering the best care is only possible when nursing staff are supported to work in safe, inclusive environments. I will stand alongside members and their patients.

“Nursing staff are the backbone of health and care. I am determined to support our members across Wales, wherever they work, to meet the challenges ahead and shape the future of our profession.

“I look forward to meeting members across Wales and ensuring our work is informed by their experiences and expertise.”

In her new role, Williams will lead the RCN’s work in Wales and provide strategic leadership across key priority areas spanning the UK.

She succeeds Helen Whyley, who has held the position since February 2019 and will move into a new role as Director of Service Innovation at the RCN.

HYWEL DDA University Health Board will decide next week whether to make changes to the GP referral pathway for routine adult mental health services permanent.

The decision will be taken at a public Board meeting on Thursday (Mar 26).

Board members will consider a proposal to formalise changes already introduced in Ceredigion and, if approved, roll out the revised pathway across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Since March 2025, adults in Ceredigion seeking routine mental health support have been advised by their GP to contact the NHS 111 Wales ‘Press 2’ service, rather than being referred directly to the county’s Community Mental Health Team.

The temporary change was introduced in response to ongoing staffing shortages. Health Board officials say the approach has helped maintain timely access to face-to-face assessments for those who need them, while directing initial contact through a single access point.

The 111 ‘Press 2’ service provides telephone assessments by local wellbeing practitioners, supervised by registered mental health nurses, offering advice, support and onward referrals where required.

At its November 2025 meeting, the Board agreed to extend the temporary pathway until the end of March 2026. A nine-week engagement exercise followed, running from December 8 to February 9, to gather feedback from patients, professionals and stakeholders on the potential long-term impact.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and experiences.

“I would also like to thank West Wales Action for Mental Health for supporting engagement with patients, including those with lived experience, alongside GPs, primary care teams, mental health staff and third sector partners.

“Our priority is to ensure mental health services remain accessible, fair and sustainable. The temporary changes in Ceredigion have shown some positive benefits, and the feedback we have received from across the three counties will play an important role in shaping the Board’s decision.”

The Board will review all evidence and feedback before making a final decision on the future of the adult mental health referral pathway.

GPs will continue to refer patients with urgent or complex needs directly to community mental health teams where appropriate, and have access to a dedicated NHS 111 professional line for additional clinical advice.

Further details, including the full Board papers, are available here:
https://biphdd.gig.cymru/amdanom-ni/eich-bwrdd-iechyd/cyfarfodydd-y-bwrdd-2026/agenda-a-phapuraur-bwrdd-26-mawrth-2026/

The meeting will be streamed live from 9:30am on Thursday (Mar 26) via:
www.youtube.com/hywelddahealthboard1