Published on: 29th July 2024
We're so proud of Rochdale nurse Jake Riley, who's been crowned the borough's clinical champion in recognition of his outstanding contribution to transforming community mental health care.
Jake, who's one of our #PennineCarePeople, is senior mental health practitioner for the Pennines primary care network. This is a group of GP practices working together across Littleborough, Milnrow, Newhey, and Wardle.
He’s played a key role in developing the new living well team in this area, which forms part of a wider programme of transformation across the borough.
His hard work and commitment saw him nominated for an award from the Rochdale Health Alliance Primary Care Academy.
An exceptional nurse and leader
Clinical service manager Hayley Mclellan was one of the people who nominated Jake. She said: “Jake’s been at the forefront of developing the new living well team into a robust and highly effective support system for people with mental health issues.
“His exceptional ability to connect with and support people is remarkable. He demonstrates deep compassion and dedication, ensuring everyone he works with feels heard, valued, and supported.
“Jake’s leadership skills are equally impressive. He’s collaborative and inclusive, bringing the team together with his positive energy and communication. He’s an exceptional nurse and leader, who’s made a real difference to the lives of local people and massively relieved the strain on GPs and primary care services.”
Gobsmacked
Speaking about his win, Jake said: “I was gobsmacked to be nominated, let alone win. Patient care is most important, but having your work acknowledged by colleagues is fantastic.
“The success of the living well team is thanks to everyone involved. We know it can work well, so want to make it a success. The collaboration and enthusiasm are exceptional.
“GPs treat a vast range of conditions, so it’s good we can advise and make sure people get the right mental health support quickly.
“Patient outcomes are good and referrals to specialist mental health services are down, which is what we want. I’m proud of the positive difference we’re making to people’s lives.
Michael's story
Michael, 55, from Milnrow is one of the people benefiting from Jake’s support. He was diagnosed with a serious mental health condition in his 20s and has a range of physical health issues. The impact has led to occasions of severe binge drinking, which negatively impacts his health, relationships, and life.
In line with the new approach, Jake is working in partnership with other professionals to keep Michael safe and healthy. This includes Pennine Care social worker Emma Christian, who specialises in mental health, substance misuse and rough sleeping, Michael’s GP, and a nurse from Turning Point, the local substance misuse service.
Michael said: “I realised something wasn’t right in my 20s, because I was experiencing auditory hallucinations and fragmented thoughts.
“Sometimes I don’t know what’s real. I’ve done copious amounts of philosophical writing and believe I’m the greatest philosopher who ever lived. But I’m also aware that this might be a delusion of grandeur, which is typical of my condition.
“In the beginning I didn’t want to go to my doctor because I didn’t want to be labelled.
“The anxiety became too much, and I couldn’t cope. I was referred to psychiatry in 1997. I’ve had lots of different medications, but some weren’t right for me. I’ve been sectioned several times and was homeless for a while. I also have some physical health issues, which cause pain.
“Because of everything, I have episodic drinking problems. Once I went on a five-day binge drink. And I ended up in intensive care after taking a drug overdose, which was upsetting for my mum.
“Over the last 30 years, lots of different people have helped me in different ways.
“I started seeing Jake and Emma about six months ago. It’s good to talk to them and they’re really helpful. It’s good that they link with my doctor and the nurse from Turning Point. Everyone is working together to help me.
“They even helped when I was worried about my mum. Although she’s so independent and says she doesn’t need help.
“My main goal is to be off alcohol permanently because it makes me impulsive and self-destructive. I also get memory loss and blackouts. I’m happy on my current meds and it’s reassuring to know there’s someone I can contact if I have a bad day. I believe that a light can shine through the cracks in a broken mind.”
Breaking down barriers
Jake said: “The new living well approach has broken down barriers, so we can offer more joined up support to patients like Michael. Through sitting in GP practices and the wider partnership meetings, we’re working in a much more collaborative way, and there’s no waiting around.
“There’s a better understanding of what everyone can offer, meaning we can now provide lots of different support at the same time. And we can easily change a patient’s support in line with their needs.
“Michael’s condition can be quite isolating, but we have developed a really positive relationship, and he knows I’m here to help.”
How to get help
People with mild to moderate issue such as low mood, anxiety, trouble sleeping, isolation or panic can self-refer to NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale talking therapies. People who need more help should speak to their GP, who can link them with the right support.