Older People’s Community Treatment Team – Newcastle and North Tyneside

Information about the Community Treatment Team who provide a wide range of support for people, usually over the age of 65, seeking specialist advice for a mental health difficulty. We work with people who need more specialist assessment or intensive treatment than their GP or other health worker is able to give.

This leaflet may not be reproduced in whole or in part, without the permission of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

 

This leaflet explains what a Community Treatment Team (CTT) is, and how it might help you.

  • Community Treatment Team

    Community Treatment Teams provide a wide range of support for people seeking specialist assessment and treatment for a mental health difficulty. The majority of people we support are aged 65 or older, although we do see people who are younger, depending on the reason for the referral.

    We work with people who need more specialist or intensive help than their GP or other health worker is able to give. The CTT has a range of specially trained staff with different roles and expertise. You will see the person best able to assist you at the appropriate time.

  • How does the CTT work?

    If your GP or another health professional feels that you might benefit from our help they will contact us to arrange an appointment for you. If we can help, a member of the team will see you either at your home or as an outpatient as soon as possible.

    We try to see all new patients as soon as possible after receiving a referral dependent upon need. This is usually within four weeks but may be sooner if the request is urgent.

    At the first appointment, we will talk through the problems you are experiencing and the best way to help you. You may be offered further help, either by the person who meets you first or by another member of the team. The help we offer may include:
    • Further specialist assessments over a longer period of time or by another health professional
    • Formulation based interventions and strategies to help improve your wellbeing
    • Psychological intervention/talking therapies
    • Medication management
    • Diagnosis and treatment of memory problems eg dementia
    • Support, advice and health information
    • Carer support for close friends and family members
    • Linking with your GP and other services as necessary

  • Contact details and emergency phone numbers

    The CTT telephone number is 0191 246 8655 available during office hours. The team is currently unable to provide an out of hours service. Urgent requests (for assessment only) at weekends or evenings are usually via GPs to a centralised on call service

  • Other useful contacts

    • Your GP
    • Accident and Emergency – Newcastle 0191 233 6161
    • Crisis Team – Newcastle and Gateshead 0191 8148899 or freephone 0800 652 2863
    • Crisis Team – Northumberland and North Tyneside 0303 123 1146
    • Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Centre – 0344 811 8111
    • NHS Emergency and Urgent Care Service – 111
    • The Samaritans – 116 123
    • Social Services Emergency Duty Team – Newcastle 0191 278 7878

  • Confidentiality and Data Protection

    We have a duty to keep information about you confidential. We make sure that we only share it with others who are involved in providing care for you such as your GP or Social care professional. We keep all information securely.

  • Interpreters

    Staff can arrange an interpreter if you need one.

  • What if I have a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint about the service?

    If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

     
    We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention. You can provide feedback in the following ways:

    • the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
    • complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
    • other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

     
    Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
    PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.

    We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

    North of Tyne
    Tel: 0800 032 0202
    Email: [email protected]
    Post: FREEPOST PALS

    9am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday
    An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

  • Contact details

    Single Point of Access
    St Nicholas Hospital
    Jubilee Road
    Gosforth
    Newcastle upon Tyne
    NE3 3XT

    You can contact the team by ringing Single Point of Access Tel: 0191 246 8655 during office hours.

  • Other formats, references and review

    Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

    This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288

    Published by the Patient Information Centre
    2025 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
    Ref, PIC/131/0225 February 2025 V9
    www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288
    Review date 2025