NHS Avalon House

The Winchester Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) based at Avalon House are appauling. I agree with what Glen has said about the team. I would advise people to use an alternative service if possible as the attitudes and behaviours of the staff at the CMHT in my experience have been unacceptable. After moving from a different area as a student, I was left for months with no follow up after an attempt to transfer my care from another secondary mental healthcare trust due to a breakdown in communication. When I followed up with the CMHT, I was told that I would recieve a letter with an assessment. I phoned again when I recieved no such letter and was told that a decision was made at a meeting that there was no need for me to be assessed. I questioned how they could have assessed me without seeing me and an appointment was then arranged for me. However, this letter, which contained personal information, was sent to the incorrect address.

When I finally was able to have an asessment the attitude of the assessing member of staff was very poor. Some of the statements made were completely inappropriate and dismissive of my experiences. I have made a formal complaint about this but so far the trust has refused to apologise for this. They have also refused to alter my healthcare record to remove inaccuracies in the recorded information. In the end, my referral was rejected on the basis of a "low level of risk", even though a few weeks later I had to be seen by the Acute Mental Health Team. I have been told that part of the reason for this is because the Trust I was previously under submitted a new referral rather than a "transfer of care", but I don't see why a patient should have to be responsible for ensuring this. The reception staff and team manager have also been dismissive and unhelpful to both myself and my family.

In summary, my experience with the Winchester CMHT has been very poor and detrimental to my mental health.

N.B. This review relates to the Winchester Community Mental Health Team and no other service provided at Avalon House or by Southern Health. I have had a positive experience with iTalk and the Acute Mental Health Team (AMHT) based at Melbury Lodge.

my assessor projected his own anger on to me and was acting hostile, worst part my word against his, who am I gonna complain to? who would believe me?
the two stars is because luckily he wasn't the one taking notes, a nice lady who he never let say a word was.
edit: bonus I forgot he insinuate I didn't need to talk to a psychiatrist about my medication because my unqualified husband is supportive?! I'm sorry NO!

Took my wife to Avalon house today to have a toe nail removed.The service from start to finish was 1st class.The reception could not have been more helpful,even letting us park in disabled bay for pick up.The nurses were very caring and professional whilst carrying out surgery.Hooray for the NHS and pay them what they are worth so we do not lose them.

Saw Carly today in the Orthopaedic team. She was very informative. Great job guys.

have been waiting over a year for shots to shoulders in sept cancelled on day of shots, oct today went for shots booked with some one who cant give shots what a joke

I took my daughter for a toe nail removal today. She was very nervous but the staff were fantastic. The man on reception (Steve?) was really helpful and told us how we could make pick up easier afterwards. The two podiatrists carrying out the procedure (Alison and Sarah) were so friendly, patient, caring and understanding. Just what a nervous patient needs. They explained everything and made sure we had what we needed for aftercare.

Although the service was what is expected for the NHS, sitting and listening to the rather rude man on reception brought a little uneasiness into the waiting room. He was quite rude and very abrupt to all the patients that came for appointments. He even quite vocally cursed under his breath about an older gentleman that struggled to understand the door release system. People with his personality should not be on reception, ANYWHERE!

Totally dire service and a total waste of time. After 10 years this department is still beyond awful and they should be ashamed of themselves. My GP was right when they mentioned CAMHS are the worst NHS department going and seems they still are. Don’t waste yours or your child’s time with this service, which will likely stress and damage your child even more. A total waste of NHS and tax payers money.