South Kirklees team achieves groundbreaking milestone in community mental health care
Our South Kirklees early intervention in psychosis (EIP) team has successfully delivered Clozapine treatment in a community setting for the first time.
In a psychiatric inpatient unit, patients are admitted to a secure ward for Clozapine treatment where they receive round-the-clock clinical support and observation. This can be restrictive and may cause distress or feelings of stigma due to the hospital environment.
Offering Clozapine in people’s own homes or familiar surroundings promotes comfort, reduces anxiety, and supports emotional wellbeing.
This pioneering achievement was made possible through the dedication, collaboration, and clinical expertise of a multi-skilled team, including:
- Monisa Ishaq, care coordinator and community psychiatric nurse
- Dr Joyce Oseghale, speciality doctor
- Dr Amina Rashid, consultant psychiatrist
- Andrew Pickard, early intervention in psychosis Clozapine lead
- Folly Hall pharmacy and treatment team
Together, they developed a safe, structured care plan that enabled the patient to begin Clozapine at home, supported by comprehensive physical health monitoring and a wraparound care approach. This also involved educating and informing the patient’s family about Clozapine, its side effects, and when to escalate care.
By providing treatment in the patient’s own environment, the team avoided hospital admission, promoted autonomy, and reduced potential trauma — embodying the Trust’s commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed care.
This successful community-based care sets a precedent for future treatment pathways and reflects the Trust’s vision for more responsive and empowering mental health services.
