We are delighted to announce that our recent drama-documentary “Simon & Meg” has won the Educational Excellence Innovation Award from the London Deanery.

Described as “the classic award rewarding high quality and innovative patient safety focussed training programmes around London”, this film is the product of a rich collaboration with our long-standing clients and partners at Central and North West London Foundation Trust.

Based on a joint initiative between CNWL FT and the North West London NHS Trust, with funding support from NHS London, we researched, developed and produced a 20 minute drama documentary which focussed on the range of clinical human factors that had an influence on providing excellent care for people with mental health problems using Accident & Emergency services. The project involved research with carers, patients, clinicians and practitioners from acute services, the ambulance service and mental health providers from which a drama script was produced. The film itself was shot in the live A&E department to ensure a realistic depiction. In particular the drama allowed for multiple perspectives to be explored within the story, whilst a series of documentary style interviews with both the actors involved and the real staff on duty on the day of filming allowed for a deeper exploration of the problems faced in practice.

The film has been used to facilitate discussions between the services providers with a particular focus on improving the interface, human factors and cross boundary issues that arise. A full training pack is available via the London Deanery.

We are currently working with CNWL FT on an exciting new film project which will tackle the challenging areas of serious untoward incidents in the context of community mental health services.