Board approves permanent GP referral pathway change for routine mental health support

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Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) has agreed to continue the temporary change to the way GPs refer patients for non-urgent adult mental health services in Ceredigion until March 2026.

At a meeting of the Board in November 2025, a nine-week period of engagement was agreed to understand the possible impact of making this change permanent across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Under the new proposal people who visit their GP and need further non-urgent mental health support would be asked to phone the NHS 111 Wales Option 2 mental health support service.

The change is aimed at reducing patient waiting times and easing demand on the community mental health teams.

NHS 111 Wales Option 2 puts the patient in direct contact with a local mental health wellbeing practitioner, who is supported by a registered mental health nurse at all times, enabling quick access to mental health advice, assessment and support.

GPs can continue to refer patients with the greatest need to community mental health teams. GPs also have access to a professional 111 support line if they are concerned a patient may not call the service as advised or if the patient is unable to do this themselves.

Community Mental Health Teams will continue to accept urgent referrals for assessment from GPs for patients with a higher risk of a mental health emergency and who need to be seen in person within the next 24 hours by the Mental Health Team.

To summarise, the 111 option 2 is a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) service staffed and managed by Hywel Dda Mental Health practitioners and includes:

1. Immediate access to mental health support: Individuals in need of mental health assistance can quickly connect with trained professionals through the 111 option 2 service.
2. Streamlined referral process: By centralising mental health referrals through 111 option 2, we can simplify the process and reduce potential delays in access to care. Those requiring face-to-face assessment with Community Mental Health Team can receive such an assessment in a timely and responsive manner.
3. Crisis intervention: Individuals in mental health crises can receive immediate support and guidance through the 111 option 2 service, helping to prevent escalation and ensure safety