A NORTH-EAST psychiatrist has called for a radical change in the way mental health services are delivered.

A severe shortage of psychiatrists is hampering mental health trusts around the country.

Dr Steve Humphries, medical director of Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust, believes other mental health workers should be given a greater role in care provision, and wants to see multi-disciplinary mental health teams set up.

The Stockton consultant psychiatrist argues that the role played by consultants needs to be changed.

Speaking at a conference in Newcastle organised by the British Medical Association, Dr Humphries said: "Traditionally, consultants carry a very heavy caseload of patients needing assessments and regular reviews of their care. However, this is very time intensive and relies on having enough consultants to run this system."

The trust's plans include developing specialist multi-disciplinary teams to provide a range of services for severely mentally ill patients, such as crisis resolution and community support, as well as more specialist in-patient care in new premises.

Dr Humphries said: "Our multi-disciplinary teams conist of highly skilled health and social care staff, who work closely with psychiatrists to assess, treat and support patients. Together, we ensure people have access to the most appropriate mental health care to meet their needs."