SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH

Serious Mental Illness (SMI), commonly refers to diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar and organic psychosis. Our work to support people living with SMI is really important as it hopes to reduce a huge health inequality gap. In 2021 and 2022 we partnered with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust to co deliver annual Health Checks as part of the Primary Care Quality Outcome Framework (QOF). There is a 6-point health check completed by a nurse, paramedic or allied health professional. These are undertaken, as people living with SMI are at risk of dying 15-20 years earlier than the general population.

People living with SMI are:

  • Two times more likely to have diabetes and die of cancer
  • Five times more likely to die of liver disease
  • Three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease