Major challenges with mental health services in Greenwich could be combated with a new “alliance” method, according to a new report.

Greenwich Council will consider developing a new approach to caring for mental health patients as it is revealed that services are under strain from growing demand.

Following on from an approach taken by nearby Lambeth Council, Greenwich, is set to establish an “alliance” with the local NHS to develop the same “behaviours and government arrangements” to avoid a mix and match of services across the borough.

According to a new report, Lambeth took this approach to deliver better, personal care to patients with severe and enduring mental health problems.

Mental health services face a big demand in the borough, one that is expected to continue to rise.

The report explains “Despite good relationships across the Trust, voluntary sector, CCG and council, there are still major challenges facing the mental health system.

“The fragmentation of services – there are 50 providers of supported living and residential care – makes it hard for both service users and staff to understand the mental health system and be aware of the best options for good preventative support in the community.

“Further development of a clear pathway between primary and secondary services continues to be a priority.”

Greenwich is the eighth highest borough in London for having mental health patients admitted to hospital.

More than £2m was spent last year on sending patients to psychiatric intensive care units out of the borough, a figure that is expected to continue to grow.

“Most of this money is lost to our local system and doesn’t help support improved outcomes for our patients in a local setting”, the report said.

The council will discuss moving to a joint commissioning service at a meeting on Wednesday (December 19), before exploring it further in the new year.

“The function of an alliance contract model is to take a system wide and holistic approach to service delivery across a defined population.

“Characteristics include shared values and accountability, co-produced outcomes, transparency, open-book accounting and joint decision making that deliver the co-produced outcomes”, according to the report.