Paul Hayman, Jeff Huthwaite, Debby Poole and Pamjit Beesla, Paul Bowers and Diane Malkin

A team of psychiatric nurses based at Lichfield Police Station have won an award for their work.

Paul Hayman, Jeff Huthwaite, Debby Poole, Pamjit Beesla and support worker Vanessa Campbell provide night cover for the region.

Paul Hayman, Jeff Huthwaite, Debby Poole and Pamjit Beesla, Paul Bowers and Diane Malkin
Paul Hayman, Jeff Huthwaite, Debby Poole and Pamjit Beesla, Paul Bowers and Diane Malkin

They also provide advice and support for police officers when needed – and their work has now seen them named as nursing team of the year by the South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Diane Malkin, from Staffordshire Police, said the award was deserved.

“The police can often be the first port of call when someone is distressed and in immediate need of help,” she said. “Officers are not mental health experts, and while they do an outstanding job of providing initial support to those in need, it is pertinent both officers and those in need get the correct help from medical professionals at the time it is needed.

“Our triage team is on hand to respond to incidents and make sure that happens. Over the past year they’ve successfully embedded themselves into the policing environment and I’m delighted they have been recognised for their outstanding collaborative work.”

The team, who work between bases in Lichfield and Stafford, have received 579 referrals since October 2015.

Paul Bowers, from South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re really pleased that the team’s work on this project has landed them recognition for their dedication and hard work.

“Most of all it goes to show that the public, who are at the heart of the initiative, are receiving the best possible care from our team.

“They are specially trained to treat those with mental health issues. Their attendance at a volatile incident can really make a big difference and help calm those in distress.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.