Dale Benton

Mental health patients at Lincoln County Hospital should be able to access the relevant treatment much quicker thanks to a new streamlining service introduced on July 1.

Under the new Hospital Intensive Psychiatric Service (HIPS) clinicians are able to assess patients within one hour of arriving at A&E, or within 24 hours if on a ward.

Access to the relevant mental health service was often slow, but working with doctors and nurses, the specialist HIPS team ensures mental health, alcohol or drug problems are assessed and treated much earlier.

Dr Julie Hall, director of Nursing, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a great example of how two NHS trusts can work together to improve patient experience and utilise NHS resources more effectively.

“Patients will be able to get more timely response for their mental health needs, ensuring the best outcome for individuals, especially so for older people with dementia,” she added.

ALan Pattison, HIPS Team Leader, said: “It’s a pleasure to lead a team of clinicians whose sole focus will be on improving patient outcomes.

“It will also be exciting to be working in partnership with colleagues at the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust to achieve this.”

An innovative photo exhibition highlighting both professional and amateur cyclists across Lincolnshire will he held in Lincoln this month.

Lincoln-based freelance photographer Phil Crow will be showcasing a collection of inspirational photos taken by himself from the Lincoln Grand Prix.

Alongside the Grand Prix prints will be photos of amateur riders, highlighting the Lincolnshire countryside.

Launching on July 6, cyclists will ride to The Angel Coffee House in the city centre to view the first part of the exhibition.

They will then cycle across the Lincolnshire countryside, part of the Lincoln Grand Prix route, to the final part of the exhibition at David Lloyd Burton Waters Gym.

Ian Emmerson, OBE, Hon D.sc, Lincoln Grand Prix Race Organiser is delighted about the exhibition; “This will be a superb opportunity to see some really good photographs taken by Phil.

“The event has many objectives, one of which has shown that it brings over £430,000 worth of business into Lincoln.

“The second, to further publicise cycling as a great way of keeping fit.” he added.

Riders will meet at The Angel Coffee House Saturday July 6 at 9.30am with the ride starting at 10.30am and returning to Lincoln by 1.30pm at the latest.

Cyclists wishing to be a part of the exhibition can tweet Phil at @digitalcrow using the hashtag #ridelincoln.