PSYCHOSIS sufferers in the south of England are starting treatment in record time, following a drive to improve care.

Despite having the worst rate of all southern regions at 77.3 per cent, the NHS in the South West is still well above the national target of 50 per cent of patients beginning treatment within a fortnight.

The success was marked last week at the national Health and Care Innovation Expo 2017, where the South Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) programme was being featured as a ‘pop-up university’ event to share good practice across the health service.

Focused towards younger sufferers, the EIP programme was set up by NHS England to improve standards across the south of England.

Nigel Acheson, medical director for NHS England in the region, said: “Psychosis can be terribly distressing for individuals and their loved ones, so it’s gratifying to see local mental health services across the South responding so well to this initiative.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work, training and collaboration to reach a point where so many people start to get the treatment they need within such a short time.

“Mental health is one of NHS England’s priorities. The EIP programme shows what can be done with real focus and determination across the sector, as we strive to make sure access to care is as good for people with mental health conditions as it is for those with physical conditions.”