The interface with community services

The interface between inpatient and community services requires special attention in order to provide safe and high-quality care to patients who are significantly unwell, pose significant risks, and are transitioning between teams. This chapter provides an outline of how community services work to provide care for patients with mental health problems both in the community and in hospital. The authors describe their experience working within an adapted flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) model of care, alongside the Care Programme Approach for supporting service users and carers during their journey through services. The contribution of a community partnership between mental health services and the voluntary sector organizations is also described, with a focus on the support it provides to patients in delivering timely and safe discharge from the acute inpatient ward.