The patient journey
What to expect from blip.
Six stages, each with a published timescale. Here is what happens, and when.
3 weeks
Referral to assessment
1 week
Assessment to MDT plan
2 weeks
Assessment to first session
30 + 90 days
Post-discharge follow-up
Referral and triage
When you enquire, a clinician reviews the information the same day and carries out a telephone triage. The triage covers the presenting difficulty, a brief safeguarding screen and an initial clinical sort. No GP letter is required for self-referral.
GPs, schools, social workers and other professionals can also refer directly. All referral routes follow the same triage pathway and are subject to the same response timescale.
95% triaged within 5 working days
Initial assessment
A senior clinician carries out a standardised clinical assessment with the young person and, where appropriate, their family. This covers mental health history, current difficulties, risk, school and social functioning, and family context.
Validated outcome measures are completed at this stage: RCADS (anxiety and depression), SDQ (strengths and difficulties), CORE-10 for those aged 16 and over, and Goals Based Outcomes agreed with the young person. These become the baseline against which progress is measured.
90% assessed within 3 weeks
MDT formulation
The clinical team discusses every case at the weekly multidisciplinary team meeting, chaired by the Clinical Lead. The MDT produces a formulation: a shared understanding of what is driving the young person's difficulties and what is most likely to help.
The care plan is agreed with the young person and family after the MDT. It sets out the intervention type, who the lead clinician will be, the frequency and duration of sessions, any involvement from other members of the team, and how progress will be measured.
95% formulated within 1 week
Intervention
Therapy, occupational therapy, family work, psychiatric consultation and youth support work are delivered as set out in the care plan. Sessions take place by videoconferencing using a clinical-grade telehealth platform. In-person sessions in Shropshire and adjacent counties are available from month 12 of operation for OT, young children and cases where remote delivery is clinically unsuitable.
Intervention length depends on the young person's needs and the care plan. Some presentations resolve with a brief focused course of 6 to 8 sessions; others need a longer programme. The care plan review at week 6 determines whether the original plan remains appropriate.
Intervention starts within 2 weeks of assessment
Review and step down
Outcome measures are repeated at weeks 6, 12 and at discharge. The clinician reviews the scores with the young person and family, and adjusts the care plan if the data suggests a different approach is needed.
A written discharge summary is sent to the young person, the family (with consent) and the GP within five working days of the final session. The summary covers what was worked on, what changed and any recommendations for ongoing support.
All cases reviewed at weeks 6 and 12
Relapse prevention and follow-up
A brief follow-up call is offered at 30 days and 90 days after discharge. This is not a new episode of care: it is a short check-in to confirm the young person is managing well and to answer any questions that have arisen since the end of treatment.
Re-referral is always available if a young person's difficulties return or new concerns arise. There is no penalty for returning to the service, and the previous clinical record is available to the team to avoid the young person having to start from the beginning.
Follow-up documented in 100% of discharges
How we measure progress
Progress is measured with validated clinical tools at set points in the pathway, not left to subjective impression. The clinician reviews the scores with you and adjusts the plan if the data suggests something different is needed.
- RCADS: Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale. Completed by parent and young person at intake, week 6, week 12 and discharge.
- SDQ: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Parent and self-report versions. Completed at intake and discharge.
- CORE-10: General wellbeing measure for those aged 16 and over. Completed at intake, mid-point and discharge.
- GBO: Goals Based Outcomes. Individual goals agreed with the young person at care plan stage, rated at every review session.
Clinical governance
NHS-trained clinicians. CQC registration pending service.
Blip Healthcare Ltd is registered with the Care Quality Commission for the regulated activity of Treatment of disease, disorder or injury. Clinical oversight sits with Vivien Beni, Registered Mental Health Nurse and Registered Manager.
Every case is reviewed at the weekly MDT. Risk assessments are completed at initial assessment, updated at every clinical review, and repeated if any new concern arises.
blip is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health support call NHS 111 and select option 2, or contact our crisis page for a full list of contacts including Samaritans (116 123) and Papyrus HOPELINE247 (0800 068 4141).
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